Reports Of Flare Before Mt Maunganui Blaze

Three people had to be rescued from Mauao overnight as fire, possibly started by a flare, took hold of Mount Maunganui.

New Zealand fire service assistant area commander Aaron Waterrous has confirmed reports of a flare sighted at Mauao just before the fire began.

Mr Waterrous said when firefighters arrived, there were three people on the Mount.

Firefighters prioritised getting those people down from Mauao. Once they were successful they were then able to focus on the blaze.

Mr Watterrous would not comment further on the people.

Mount Maunganui has been closed until further notice.

For more info visit the NZ Herald.