Fire and Emergency New Zealand fire and weather update 2 - 23 October 6pm

23 October 2025

Fire and Emergency New Zealand crews have been busy today responding to weather related callouts across the country.

Assistant National Commander Ken Cooper says between 7.40am and 5pm today, crews were called to 587 weather-related incidents.

"The calls were predominantly for roofs lifting and trees down," he says. "There were also callouts for fences down and sheds blown away.

"Wellington and Canterbury saw the most callouts in the early morning before Southland was hit hardest at lunchtime."

Southland and Invercargill weather events

Ken Cooper says there were 228 callouts in the district between 11.55am and 5pm.

He says 155 of those were in Invercargill.

"Again, this is for things like roofs lifting, trees down, power lines down, garage doors, fences and sheds blowing away.

"The rain has stopped, and the wind has eased, so now crews will now be looking to assist with clean up across the region."

Ken Cooper says those in storm affected areas should follow safety advice from local authorities.

"During and after a storm treat all fallen power lines as live.

"If the power is out use torches rather than candles if possible. If you must use candles, keep them away from curtains and other flammable objects. Never leave a candle burning in an empty room.

"If you are using camp cookers or alternative forms of heating, always make sure they are on a stable surface. Do not use outdoor cooking or heating equipment inside."

Hanmer Springs fire

A large wildfire near Hanmer Springs has been contained and the residents who were evacuated this morning have been cleared to return.

"Winds have eased, and a downpour also helped, but the fire is not yet out.

"The fire is considered contained but locals will still see smoke rising from the location as smouldering hot spots remain."

Ken Cooper says the weather conditions and wind damage are making it too dangerous for fire crews to gain direct access to the fireground until tomorrow morning.

"It is safe for people to return to their homes, but we ask residents to remain vigilant if weather conditions change. If you see a fire, call 111 immediately."

Kaikoura fires

Multiple fires burning across Kaikoura are now fully contained.

"Today crews have been dealing with hotspots and dangerous tree management with assistance from a specialist arborist.

Residents in the Kaikoura Flats area should continue to stay vigilant and ring 111 should they see any smoke or flames.

Hawke’s Bay fires

Fire and Emergency crews remain in Pōrangahau, where three fires are still burning.

The largest of the three fires at Saleyard Bridge is 139 hectares in size and is approximately 30 per cent contained.

"Crews are working in arduous conditions to contain the fire and bring it under control.

"With winds picking up earlier today, crews were withdrawn from some areas for safety," Ken Cooper says.

Crews are expected to remain at the fireground into next week.

Meanwhile fires at Bush Road and Schaeffer Road are contained.

"At Schaeffer Road there are five crews working on deep-seated hotspots. They are making progress towards extinguishing the fire.

"At Bush Road, there was a small flare up and two crews were sent to deal with it."

Ken Cooper says crews right across the country have worked tirelessly throughout the week to keep their communities safe.

"I would like to say a huge thank you to all our people, their families and friends and the employers of our volunteers.

"They’ve been working in some pretty tough conditions, but they’ve done so well to keep people safe and help protect people’s property."

Fire risk

Ken Cooper says with high temperatures and strong winds forecast for many places over the long weekend, the public must remain vigilant.

"I want to remind people there is a ban on all open-air fires and fireworks until Monday at 9am across most of New Zealand.

"That means no fires at all.

"The slightest spark in windy weather can cause a fire that will spread very quickly and be very difficult and dangerous for our crews to put out."

Anyone looking for advice on restrictions in their area should head to checkitsalright.nz