Waiouru scrub fire likely to take several more days to contain

Wednesday 28 October 2026 · 4 outlets · 4 reports · updated Fri 30 Oct, 11:57am

In this story Fire and Emergency New Zealand, New Zealand Defence Force

Firefighters are struggling to control a 3,700-hectare vegetation fire at the Waiouru Military Training Area due to wind and rain. More than 90 personnel from Fire and Emergency, the Defence Force, and the Department of Conservation are working to secure the perimeter. The blaze was reportedly sparked by gunshots during military training.

How they headlined it

16h23h

Wed 7:50pmThu 11:45amFri 10:36am11:57am

1. RNZWed 28 Oct, 7:50pm

   Waiouru fire still producing smoke after several days (opens in new tab)

   • Waiouru fire remains at 3700ha as containment efforts continue (opens in new tab) Thu 29 Oct, 11:45am
   • Tracer round fired by machine gun believed to have sparked large Waiouru scrub fire (opens in new tab) Fri 30 Oct, 11:57am
2. NZ HeraldFri 30 Oct, 10:36am

   Waiōuru scrub fire: Blaze likely to take ‘several more days’ to contain as wind and rain challenge firefighters (opens in new tab)