Latest from Fires

Boy referred to youth aid after alleged arson

A 13-year-old Ranfurly boy has been referred to Youth Aid after allegedly starting the fire that significantly damaged one of the town's historic buildings.

Firefighters battle blaze at forestry site

50km fire burning out of control

Changing winds add to firefighters' difficulties north of Melbourne.

'Bush blindness' endangers lives

Tales of bravery emerging from Australia's worst bushfires since Black Saturday also highlighted a lack of public appreciation of the dangers.

Fire crews flat out despite cool shift in weather

Despite cooler weather and huge defence by more than 6000 firefighters, Victoria was still struggling to bring huge fronts under control as darkness fell last night.

Security, clean-ups cost millions

Taxpayers have spent nearly $30 million targeting vandalism at schools in the past two years, while thieves have made off with items such as plastic guttering and wooden seats.

Houses 'explode' in bushfire

Homes "exploded" as a massive grassfire that started on Melbourne's northern fringe burned through regional areas, residents say.

Two people rescued from fire in Wellington night shelter

Two people were rescued from a fire in a Wellington night shelter last night. The blaze broke out in an upstairs room of the Taranaki St property around 9.15pm.

Motueka man suffers serious burns

Fire crews called in to help Victoria

When Australia burns, Northland firefighters are often called across the ditch to help douse the fires.

Dog rescued from apartment fire

Two drivers cut out of cars after head-on collision

Two drivers have been cut out of their respective vehicles with the jaws of life following a head-on crash near Taupo this morning.

Kiwi firefighters off to help Australian colleagues

Weary Australian firefighters will soon be able to take a break as help makes its way across the Tasman.

Explosions at suspected meth lab seriously injures two people

Two people have been seriously burnt in several explosions and a fire at a rural property near Whangarei.

NZ firefighters heading to help battle Victoria bushfires

Man in induced coma after 'huge fireball'

The gas bottle explosion that rocked central Invercargill yesterday, seriously injuring the man transporting it in his ute, is extremely rare and will take some investigating to find out why it blew up, fire experts say.