Fire and Emergency urges New Zealanders to prepare for elevated wildfire risk this summer
31 Hereturikōkā 2026
As we enter spring, forecasts from Earth Sciences New Zealand and Fire and Emergency New Zealand indicate El Niño conditions are likely to develop and strengthen over the coming months, with some guidance suggesting the event could become one of the stronger El Niño events on record.
Historically, stronger El Niño events have been associated with more frequent westerly winds, warmer temperatures, and below-normal rainfall in eastern parts of both the North and South Islands. However, the timing, severity, and extent of these impacts can vary considerably from one event to another.
Fire and Emergency Deputy Chief Executive Prevention, Stephen Hunt, says Fire and Emergency will continue to monitor conditions, communicate fire risk and provide advice on keeping safe.
"Despite the uncertainty of when and how El Niño will impact on New Zealand, it’s time for Kiwis to start preparing," Stephen Hunt says.
"There are some simple steps people can take now to reduce wildfire risk around their properties. Clear dead and dry vegetation from around buildings, make sure emergency vehicles can easily access your property, ensure water supplies are available if firefighters need them, and keep spring grass growth under control. These actions can make a real difference if fire threatens your home or community," he says.
"A fast-moving fire in Wanaka recently showed the speed at which a fire can grow and threaten homes, so we’re also asking people to consider what they will do should a wildfire occur in their community.
"We encourage people to get to know their neighbours, talk with their whānau about what they would do during a wildfire, plan evacuation routes, and prepare essential supplies in case they need to leave quickly. Taking these simple steps now can make a significant difference if conditions deteriorate over summer."
You can create a wildfire plan for your home and community now using Fire and Emergency’s free tool at checkitsalright.nz/prepare-for-wildfire.
Deputy National Commander Megan Stiffler is calling on all New Zealanders to do their part to reduce the risk of fires starting this summer.
"Around 98 percent of wildfires in New Zealand are caused by people and their activities. We urge people to use fire safely and to always check the conditions and fire season status in their area before lighting an outdoor fire. They can do this and find more safety advice at www.checkitsalright.nz.
And while we’re asking New Zealanders to do their bit, we’re doing ours. Fire and Emergency is ensuring we’re operationally ready to protect communities this summer.
"We are working hard preparing for a potentially busy upcoming season by reviewing operational readiness, identifying emerging risk areas early, and working closely with local authorities, iwi, land managers, industry partners, communities and partner agencies from Department of Conservation, New Zealand Defence Force and the forestry sector.
"Our national coordination centre is ready to provide oversight during periods of heightened fire risk, and we can move personnel, appliances, and specialist resources between districts, including pre-positioning them in higher-risk areas if the conditions call for that.
"Over the past few months Fire and Emergency has provided personnel to support responses to wildfires across North America, a deployment which will help bring valuable knowledge and experience back for the upcoming season," Megan Stiffler says.