Fernhill Fire Hawkes Bay Update #2

23 December 2025

Firefighters are close to containing a vegetation fire at Fernhill in Hawkes Bay, but the fire is not yet under control.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand has about 18 fire crews on the ground, including both urban and rural firefighters. It is too windy for any aerial firefighting with wind speeds reaching up to 90km/hr at times.

Assistant Commander Jason Hill, the Operations Manager at the fire, says one dwelling was destroyed and another has been damaged. There are multiple structures in the area and some have been lost, but those are not thought to be residences.

Firefighters have worked hard to prevent further damage to structures and will be working into the night, Jason Hill says.

Residents from the community around Farmhouse Lodge have been evacuated. Hawkes Bay Civil Defence is providing support to the evacuees.

The fire covers about six hectares.

State Highway 50 remains closed between the intersections with Taihape Road and Ōmahu Road.