The Department of Conservation is currently managing a fire behind the Memorial Monument at the back of Thames township.

The fire was reported at 3:00 pm yesterday, December 30, with seven fire appliances and two helicopters responding.

"Two helicopters are currently dipping from the sea and ground crews will be on site from 9am this morning. They will be working to establish a dam and concentrating on the south-east flank of the fire area. Aircraft and fire crews will be working in the vivinity all day," says Kauaeranga Visitor Centre supervisor Wendy Hillerich.

At this point the cause of the fire cannot be determined.

The top of Moanataiari Creek Road and the Tararu Conservation Area is closed. The entrance to the Moanataiari Mountain Bike Track is also closed.

Weather predictions indicate current light winds, changing to the north-east and north-west, increasing to 15-30 kilometres, "therefore, the main focus is to concentrate on the south-east flank to prevent further spread," says Wendy.

This is a timely reminder to the public to be fire wise especially with the New Year being celebrated this evening. With a current dry spell, flares and fireworks are a hazard at this time.

"We are asking the public to please respect the work of the fire teams and stay away from the area," says Wendy.