SYDNEY (Reuters) -Rain has helped curb the spread of a wildfire in New Zealand’s oldest national park, though mist and foggy weather conditions forced the grounding of all rescue aircraft and delayed some firefighting efforts, authorities said on Monday.

Firefighters since Saturday have battled to extinguish the fire in Tongariro National Park, a popular hiking spot in New Zealand’s North Island, which has so far burnt around 2,500 hectares (10 square miles).

“The fire size is likely to have increased a little … a more detailed reconnaissance will be carried out when the weather improves,” Fire and Emergency District Commander Nigel Dravitzki said in a statement.

Several ground rescue crews have begun operations, while 15 helicopters and five fixed-wing planes were on standby to resume

See Full Page