Large vegetation fire in Albert Town forces evacuations

Sunday 23 August 2026 · 2 outlets · 3 reports · updated Sun 23 Aug, 6:41am

Firefighters battled a large vegetation blaze in Albert Town on Saturday night, which forced 22 households to evacuate. Heavy rain and strong winds affected the response, but the fire has since been contained. The cause of the fire is currently unknown and under investigation.

How they headlined it

6:25am

1. 1NewsSun 23 Aug, 6:25am

   'Pretty scary': Wānaka residents describe moment large blaze broke out (opens in new tab)

   • Large Wānaka blaze contained after evacuations, cause unknown (opens in new tab) Sun 23 Aug, 6:25am
2. The Press via RNZSun 23 Aug, 6:41am

   Firefighters investigating cause of ‘absolutely terrifying’ Wānaka blaze (opens in new tab)