Fire and Emergency received calls for 10 incidents during today’s strike

16 March 2026

Fire and Emergency New Zealand received calls for 10 incidents between 12pm and 1pm today, Monday 16 March, the nineteenth time the New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union (NZPFU) has taken strike action.

Of the 10 incidents, eight were in areas impacted by the strike.

Five were false alarms, one was a medical call that was left in the hands of Hato Hone St John, as per established contingency plans

One was a small vegetation fire, extinguished by volunteer crews, and the other a motor vehicle incident.

Deputy National Commander Megan Stifler thanked Fire and Emergency’s 11,800 volunteers across the country, particularly those who were called to attend events in areas impacted by the strike.

"I would also like to thank our Operational Commanders and Communication Centre Managers who contributed to the response."

Megan Stiffler also thanked New Zealanders for again taking extra care during the strike hour.

"It is disappointing the NZPFU continues to escalate its industrial action while we have been in a process of facilitation.

"We’ve seen the devastating outcome of fires in Pakuranga and Northcote College in recent weeks during strikes by paid firefighters. The NZPFU continues to gamble with public safety each time they strike," Megan Stiffler says.

"Fire and Emergency has also been seeking an agreed process with NZPFU on how we can respond to emergency situations during these strikes. These NZPFU has rebuffed by these attempts.

"We remain committed to a fair, sustainable, and reasonable settlement with the NZPFU, so we can continue working to keep our communities safe."