The wind and the dry grass meant the fire moved rapidly up the steep hill.

Fireworks and sky lanterns are considered too risky due to hot, dry conditions.

Two rescue helicopters had also been called to the scene.

The family heard a loud bang amid ferocious weather and did not think much of it.

Eight fire trucks, including two aerial units, remain at the scene of the blaze.

The fire was first reported just after midnight.

One mum says she and her children could barely breathe as they fled their home.

Massive orange flames are visible from nearly 1km away and smoke from 11km away.

Firefighters are unable to continue work without helicopters due to steep terrain.

Firefighters were called to the Glenholme blaze just before 5am.

Crews from seven brigades and two helicopters are in attendance.

Fire and Emergency said there have been no significant flareups overnight.

A fire in Taupō came close to houses overlooking Lake Taupō.

Fire fought with help from mystery man.

Fire crews brace for big day across tinder-dry Canterbury.

Officials said 200 people have been reported missing.

Convention Centre to cost further $165m and extra $15m for Wellington car park.

Investigators are due at the scene later today.

Residents woke to ash and soot on their cars.

First emergency calls came in just after 1am with reports of multiple people in building.

An 8-year-old boy and his 8-month-old sister died in the fire.

Staffing issues could compromise the Government's response to even small-scale events.

Firefighters say one of the vehicles was engulfed in flames.

Firefighters say one of the vehicles was engulfed in flames after the crash.

The man appeared in the Rotorua District Court facing five charges.

The blaze had a 'minimal impact' on Yealands Estate Winery's productive vineyard.

A woman allegedly threw a flammable substance on another woman and set her alight.

Two people died after a large truck and trailer collided on SH1 south of Ōamaru.

The fire started in the roasting machine inside the building.