Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand
Conditions on the Waiouru fireground have been challenging today due to strong winds.
A coordinated response involving 74 operational personnel and 17 Incident Management Team members from Fire and Emergency, the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) and the Department of Conservation (DOC) have targeted hotspots as part of the ongoing efforts to secure the perimeter of the fireground.
Incident Controller Ben Cozens says drone operations will resume tonight if conditions allow. The drones identify hotspots and provide information about areas where firefighters will be working that enables them to operate safely in these areas.
Weather conditions forecast tomorrow are for increased winds with some rainfall. While rain would reduce fire activity, it may make access and firefighting more challenging for our people on the ground.
Due to the complex terrain and fuel types, this fire will likely take several more days to bring completely under control.
Ben Cozens acknowledges the significant contribution from Fire and Emergency volunteers and the impact that this has had on their families and employers, who have enabled them to respond to this incident.
Captions
- 3 Waiouru Sector Supervisor and Safety Officer 29oct26.JPG – Sector Supervisor and Safety Officer discussing fireground operations
- 1 Waiouru assessing trees 29oct26.JPG – Fire and Emergency Volunteers work alongside Department of Conservation firefighters assessing smouldering trees within unburnt areas of bush.
- 2 Waiouru NZDF personnel 29oct26.JPG – NZDF firefighters and combat engineers from 2 Engineer Regiment work together to extinguish hot spots in Beech Forest.