Update, 6.45pm: Traffic congestion on State Highway 2 near Te Puna Stream, Whakamārama, has eased following an earlier vegetation fire, according to NZTA Waka Kotahi.

"Traffic levels have returned to normal."

Earlier, motorists experienced significant delays of up to two hours on SH2 due to a scrub fire which was attended by multiple fire emergency crews.

The fire,which was reported to Fire and Emergency New Zealand at 1.48pm was near the bridge between Barrett Road and Te Karaka Drive on SH2.

Fire crews from Ōmokoroa, Greerton, Katikati, Tauranga, Waihi and Te Puke attended, according to an online Fire and Emergency incident report.

PowerCo has reported that power has also been restored to over 200 properties, following a power outage at 1.47pm in the Whakamārama area.

Update, 5.22pm: Congestion remains on State Highway 2 near Te Puna Stream following an earlier fire that has since been extinguished.

NZTA Waka Kotahi said earlier to expect significant delays of up to two hours due to a scrub fire and to take care when passing the scene.

"Expect delays as traffic returns to normal. Consider using an alternative route."

An alternative northbound route is via SH29 Kaimai Range on to SH24 on to SH27 on to SH26 before rejoining SH2.

The southbound detour is in reverse.

"Or delay your journey," an NZTA spokesperson said.

Update, 4.20pm: The vegetation fire reported in the Whakamārama area near Te Puna Stream is now contained, said a Fire and Emergency spokesperson.

The spokesperson said nine crews were sent to the fire; three are still at the scene dampening the area. 

Fire and Emergency New Zealand services at the scene. Photo: Tonya Pollard.

Update, 3.30pm:  State Highway 2 traffic near the Te Puna Stream Bridge is reduced to one lane, due to a large scrub fire nearby.

An NZTA Waka Kotahi statement at 3.30pm said this is causing significant traffic delays.

“Emergency services are on the scene and NZ Police is providing traffic control.”

Traffic is building with delays of approximately 60 minutes southbound from Waihī, and 30 minutes northbound from Te Puna.

Motorists should delay their trips or expect delays.  

Please take care when passing the scene.

Motorists are advised of an alternative route via State Highway 29 over Kaimai Range onto State Highway 27 onto State Highway 26 before rejoining SH2.

The traffic backed up due to the fire. Photo: Tonya Pollard.

Update, 3.05pm: Emergency services are urging members of the public to delay travel between Tauranga and Katikati as they respond to a scrub fire reported in the Whakamārama area near Te Puna Stream.

“State Highway 2 and some nearby roads are blocked,” a Police spokesperson said.

Motorists are advised to take an alternate route and avoid the area.

Police said initial reports were received around 1.50pm.

Earlier, 2.10pm: Emergency services are responding to a vegetation fire along State Highway 2, near Whakamārama in the Western Bay of Plenty.

The fire is reported to be near the bridge between Barrett Road and Te Karaka Drive.

Fire crews from Ōmokoroa, Greerton, Katikati, Tauranga, Waihi and Te Puke are attending, according to an online Fire and Emergency incident report.

The fire was reported to Fire and Emergency New Zealand at 1.48pm.

Motorists are advised to take care in the area and to expect traffic delays.

“Due to a scrub fire, expect delays in this area and take extra care when passing the scene. Avoid the area or consider delaying your journey,” a NZTA Waka Kotahi spokesperson said.

SunLive will update the traffic situation once more information is available.

The bridge on SH2, near Whakamārama. Image: Google Maps.

Power outage

PowerCo has reported an unplanned power outage in the Whakamārama area.

The power cut occurred at 1.47pm and is affecting 179 properties in the Minden area.

A power cut which occurred at 1.53pm is affecting 34 properties in the Whakamārama area.

PowerCo advised that a site investigation is underway with field crew en route to the scene.

Power is expected to be restored by 6pm.

At the scene?

Phone 0800SUNLIVE or email newsroom@thesun.co.nz