Waiouru military area fire burns 230 hectares

A large vegetation fire is burning in the Waiouru Military Training Area on the Central Plateau. The blaze, which may take another 24 hours to extinguish, has burnt approximately 230 to 238 hectares.

The New Zealand Defence Force stated the fire was sparked by gunfire during live-fire training on Sunday. It was believed to have been controlled and extinguished before reigniting on Monday morning.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand crews were alerted to the fire at approximately 10.15am on Monday. Thirteen NZDF personnel and nine Fire and Emergency firefighters are working to battle the blaze, supported by five helicopters.

Shift manager Becca Jennings said the fire was in a fairly isolated area and did not pose a threat to buildings or the Desert Road. There have been no reports of injuries and a spokesperson said, “Everyone is accounted for”.

How it developed

• Mon 26 Oct, 9:10pmThe fire spread to approximately 238 hectares by Monday evening.

Where reports differ

• Reports differ on the size of the fire, with one source estimating 50 to 60 hectares, while others report approximately 230 to 238 hectares.

Compiled from reports by 1News, RNZ, NZ Herald and Otago Daily Times.