Vegetation fire near Hastings destroys home and forces evacuations

Tuesday 23 December 2025 · 3 outlets · 4 reports · updated Tue 23 Dec 2025, 3:36pm

In this story Fire and Emergency New Zealand

A fast-moving vegetation fire near Fernhill has destroyed one home and damaged another, causing one injury. Strong winds hindered helicopter assistance, and a section of State Highway 50 has been closed. Emergency services are managing evacuations and working to contain the blaze.

How they headlined it

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1. NZ HeraldTue 23 Dec 2025, 3:01pm

   Fernhill: Fire breaks out on hillside near Hastings homes (opens in new tab)

2. 1NewsTue 23 Dec 2025, 3:10pm

   Fire near Hastings nearly contained after destroying home, injuring one (opens in new tab)

   • Fast-moving fire destroys structures, forces evacuations near Hastings (opens in new tab) Tue 23 Dec 2025, 3:10pm
3. StuffTue 23 Dec 2025, 3:36pm

   Evacuations underway and SH50 closed near Hastings due to vegetation fire (opens in new tab)