Latest from Fires
Fire ban review likely after dose of rain
A fire ban for Auckland - the first for the region - will be reviewed today after two days of rain.
Driest January for half a century
One of the driest Januaries in more than 100 years has resulted in an "extreme'' and "severe'' lack of soil moisture across all of the North Island.
Garden centre goes up in flames
A massive garden centre fire which dominated the Masterton skyline erupted while lunchtime customers browsed and destroyed $250,000 worth of vehicles and equipment.
Fish-smoker sparks multiple fires
A man smoking fish in his shed is thought to have started a fire which spread to a house and a factory in Thames.
Garden centre fire now out
Firefighters have managed to subdue the massive fire that englufed a Masterton garden centre earlier this afternoon.
Doha fire prosecution case 'fairly limited'
The father of the Kiwi triplets killed in a mall fire in Doha says the prosecution case at a trial to decide culpability for the fatal fire was "fairly limited''.
Expert explains Doha fire
The last of the prosecution witnesses in the Doha mall fire trial has given evidence on how the deadly blaze was ignited.
Police evacuate families over scrub fire
Firefighters were still dampening down hotspots at scrub fires around Auckland last night after a frantic few hours that saw a number of fires stretch resources.
Total fire ban across the Far North
A total fire ban will come into force across the Far North from noon today as continued dry weather sends the fire risk soaring.
Fiery cowpats help large blaze burn
Burning cowpats proved problematic at a large grass fire in Te Hauke, south of Hastings.
Fire chiefs angry at renewed firing
Fire chiefs are angry the army will start live firing again today at the scene of last week's big blaze at West Melton in Canterbury.
Heatwave brings growing fire risk in Wairarapa
Fire danger in rural Wairarapa is rising and water restrictions are tightening ahead of the hottest, driest days of the year.
'Tonnes' of fires after ban ignored
Aucklanders still aren't heeding a complete fire ban in the region with the Fire Service being called to "tonnes" of jobs so far this weekend.
Thermal imaging to probe for hot spots on Barrier
Fire crews on Great Barrier Island will be using thermal imaging gear this morning to probe for hot spots on their containment lines.
Housefire an accident, says teen
A teenager accused of burning down a family home on Christmas Day has spoken for the first time.
Idiots and arsonists beware
Arsonists and "idiots" defied fire bans yesterday as at least five suspicious fires stretched firefighters to the limit.
Fires flare in warm weather
As most Kiwis embrace the warm, dry weather, firefighters are racing to control fires that have ignited in tinder-dry areas.