Wildfires and El Niño
Earth Sciences New Zealand declared the arrival of an El Niño weather pattern on 2 July 2026. This weather system is likely to increase the risk of wildfires.
Advice from Fire and Emergency New Zealand for spring
While fire danger is expected to rise gradually through spring, strong westerly winds may bring periods of elevated fire danger in some regions.
As spring progresses:
- clear dead and dry vegetation from around buildings
- make sure emergency vehicles can easily access your property
- ensure water supplies are available
- keep spring grass growth under control.
How quickly conditions change will depend on spring weather, including temperature, rainfall, humidity, and strong winds.
Get prepared as soon as possible. Review your plans, talk with your community, and take practical steps to reduce fire risk before conditions become more challenging.
Prepare for wildfire – Fire and Emergency New Zealand
How wildfires start
Wildfires in rural areas can kill, injure, and cause huge economic losses. Most vegetation fires:
- start outside a forest
- are caused by someone’s actions – 98% of wildfires are caused by humans.
The main causes of wildfires are:
- burn-offs
- rubbish fires
- bonfires and fireworks
- barbecues
- illegal activities
- equipment like electric fences or machinery.
What you can do to prevent wildfires
Wildfires do not follow property boundaries. In the right conditions, embers can be blown up to 2 km and start new fires.
If you live in, or visit rural areas, check the fire weather and fire season status before you start any outdoor activities.
- Use the Fire and Emergency's 'Check it's alright' website to see how dry things are in your area and apply for a fire permit.
- Download the MetService app to get daily fire weather updates.
Check it's alright – Fire and Emergency NZ
New Zealand Drought Monitor – NIWA
Managing wildfire risks on your property
Wildfire is a risk to all landowners. If you have trees on your property, this wildfire risk reduction guide can help you identify risks.
Planning to avoid wildfire – managing wildfire risk on rural properties [PDF, 1.2 MB]
Advice and guidance to prevent wildfires
The potential for wildfire is higher during summer, but in reality, they can happen at any time of year. Te Uru Rākau – New Zealand Forest Service works with Fire and Emergency New Zealand, the forestry sector, and the wider rural sector. Together, we develop and distribute fire prevention messaging, including on the Canopy website.
Manage fire risk and damage to your forest – Canopy
Fire and Emergency New Zealand
Fire and Emergency NZ is responsible for managing fires. Check its website for resources on:
- rural living
- preparing for summer
- fire permits
- burn plans.
Farms, rural properties and rural businesses – Fire and Emergency NZ
Your local fire staff or brigade have programmes for community education and can:
- offer specific advice
- present to schools and community groups
- attend local events.
The Forest Owners Association
The Forest Owners Association provides risk management and information on preparing for the fire season in rural areas.
Rural fire: A guide on how to manage the risks – Forest Owners Association [PDF, 903 KB]
Forest Fire Risk Management Guidelines – Forest Owners Association [PDF, 2.31 MB]
Science Learning Hub – Pokapu Akoranga Putaiao
The Science Learning Hub has an interactive tool about fires. It highlights the environmental factors of rural fires.
Rural fire risk – Science Learning Hub
Fires and animals
Animals, such as farm livestock, wildlife, and pets often get caught in wildfires. Staff from the Ministry for Primary Industries respond to many adverse events in the rural sector. They can provide advice and help, depending on the event.
Advice for livestock, lifestyle block, horse, and pet owners [PDF, 157 KB]
Who to contact
If you have questions about the information on this page, email info@mpi.govt.nz