Albert Town vegetation fire

The story so far

A large vegetation fire broke out in Albert Town, near Wānaka, on Saturday evening, with crews from several towns responding.^{22 Aug} Strong winds drove the blaze through the area, and police carried out evacuations, although Fire and Emergency NZ said no houses were under threat at that stage.^{22 Aug} In all, 22 households were evacuated, and heavy rain and strong winds affected the firefighting response.^{23 Aug} The fire was later contained, and the cause was initially unknown and under investigation.^{23 Aug} The fire burned through trees and native vegetation in an Albert Town reserve.^{26 Aug}

Latest

Fire and Emergency New Zealand is now treating the fire as suspicious.^{26 Aug} Specialist investigators are calling for witnesses to come forward.^{26 Aug}

Key moments

1. 22 AugLarge vegetation fire starts in Albert Town; police begin evacuations as winds drive it.
2. 23 Aug22 households evacuated; fire contained despite heavy rain and strong winds.
3. 26 AugFire and Emergency NZ treats the blaze as suspicious and seeks witnesses.

Written from the stories below; each sentence links to its sources.