Waiouru Fire Update #5

29 October 2026

The extensive firefighting efforts undertaken yesterday by Fire and Emergency New Zealand and New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) personnel have made substantial progress in containing the blaze at the Waiouru Military Training Area.

Overnight, the fire remained at approximately 3,700 hectares in size, as confirmed by drone crews conducting thermal mapping. 

Fire and Emergency Incident Controller Ben Cozens said additional resources are now supporting the response, with crews from the Department of Conservation joining Fire and Emergency New Zealand volunteers, NZDF personnel, heavy machinery operators, and aerial firefighting assets on the fireground.

“While containment efforts continue, several hotspots have been identified within areas of mature timber inside the Waiouru Military Training Area,” he said. “Fire crews have been deployed to these locations today to suppress remaining areas of heat and strengthen containment lines.

“Today's focus is on targeting identified hotspots, consolidating containment lines, and building on the significant progress made over the past 24 hours.

“Weather conditions are expected to become more challenging throughout the day, with forecast rain and strengthening winds likely to increase the complexity of operations and place additional demands on ground crews. 

“Despite these conditions, firefighting resources remain well positioned to continue suppression efforts and respond to any changes in fire behaviour.”