Rotorua police scoured Mamaku scrub for an injured driver after a burning Toyota Hilux was spotted by a passing logging truck driver.
The ute was empty and there was a small fire, which the driver extinguished. It reignited and required firefighters from Rotorua Fire Brigade to bring under control. Volunteer crews from Mamaku and Ngongotaha could not be mustered.
Rotorua police Constable Tony O'Keefe said the ute turned out to have been stolen some time yesterday.
Police were called around 11.30am by a truck driver heading towards Mamaku along South Rd, approximately 6km south of Mamaku School.
"He's checked the vehicle after putting out a small fire and no one's been in it," Mr O'Keefe said.