Large vegetation fire in Albert Town being treated as suspicious

Wednesday 26 August 2026 · 3 outlets · 3 reports · updated Wed 26 Aug, 3:26pm

In this story Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Fire and Emergency New Zealand is investigating a suspicious blaze that broke out in an Albert Town reserve on Saturday night. The fire burned through trees and native vegetation, resulting in the evacuation of 22 homes. Specialist investigators are now calling for witnesses to come forward.

How they headlined it

2:26pm3:22pm

1. 1NewsWed 26 Aug, 2:26pm

   Blaze forcing Wānaka evacuations being treated as suspicious (opens in new tab)

2. The Press via RNZWed 26 Aug, 3:22pm

   Fire and Emergency treating large Wānaka blaze as suspicious (opens in new tab)

3. NZ HeraldWed 26 Aug, 3:26pm

   Fire and Emergency treating large Wānaka, Albert Town blaze as suspicious (opens in new tab)