Rain assists crews battling two North Island forest fires

Wednesday 17 December 2025 · 3 outlets · 3 reports · updated Wed 17 Dec 2025, 12:30pm

In this story Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Firefighters are working to contain two large blazes at Lismore Forest near Parikino and Waiinu Beach in Taranaki. Overnight rain has helped reduce fire activity, with both fires now reported to be at least 70 per cent contained. A total fire and fireworks ban remains in place for Manawatū-Whanganui.

How they headlined it

12:15pm

1. NZ HeraldWed 17 Dec 2025, 12:15pm

   Rain helps crews battling Lismore Forest and Waiinu Beach fires but not yet contained (opens in new tab)

2. StuffWed 17 Dec 2025, 12:29pm

   Two North Island fires still not fully contained (opens in new tab)

3. RNZWed 17 Dec 2025, 12:30pm

   Fire crews battle two large fires in North Island (opens in new tab)