Waiouru Fire update #3

28 October 2026

Fire and Emergency New Zealand firefighters are continuing their work today to contain the vegetation fire burning in scrub and grassland within the Waiouru Military Training Area.

Fire and Emergency Incident Controller Nigel Dravitzki says drone teams operated overnight to map hot spots.

"While some flareups did occur as expected, the fire has not grown in size," he says. "A perimeter flight this morning has more accurately confirmed the fire to have covered 3700 hectares."

"Firefighting has recommenced this morning with six ground crews from the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) and local Volunteer Fire Brigades, with assistance from air operations."

Smoke from the fire has largely diminished this morning, but Health New Zealand advises that people who are particularly sensitive to smoke may experience symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, or irritation of the eyes, nose and throat. Anyone with health concerns can call Healthline 24/7 on 0800 611 116 for free health advice, or their own family doctor.

Nigel Dravitzki says that firefighters have been careful to identify and protect culturally significant areas and infrastructure.

"Steep terrain and vegetation where the fire is still burning, as well as variable weather conditions including a forecast increase in wind speed today, continue to make this a challenging fire to contain and extinguish," he says.

"Safety of all our firefighters continues to be the number one priority."