Mayhem ensued on January 6 as a vegetation fire brought traffic to a standstill along State Highway 2.

At the same time, a power outage affected more 200 properties in the area.

A power outage occurred at 1.48pm and was restored at 6.45pm, according to a PowerCo spokesperson.

“Tree debris had fallen on to a power line, and the power was left off at Fire and Emergency New Zealand’s request so the fire could be extinguished,” the spokesperson said.

While the incidents happened around the same time, a Fire and Emergency New Zealand spokesperson said the cause of the fire has not been determined.

The fire was reported to be near the bridge between Barrett Rd and Te Karaka Dr at 1.48pm.

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

No injuries were recorded at the fire, and St John’s was on standby during the incident, a spokesperson said.

“We were on standby but not required.”

Congestion cleared up at 6.45pm after the fire was extinguished by Fire and Emergency New Zealand, according to the NZTA Waka Kotahi.

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

The southbound detour was in reverse.

Traffic congestion on State Highway 2 near Te Puna Stream, Whakamārama, had eased at 6.45am, according to NZTA Waka Kotahi.

“Traffic levels have returned to normal.”