Latest fromFires

Teen burned as party prank backfires
A Hokitika teenager suffered serious burns after a party prank backfired in Kokatahi.

'Devastating' fire at Paraparaumu School
The fire that destroyed four classrooms and a library at Kapiti Coast's oldest school is "devastating" says the principal.

One person hospitalised after Otara house fire
One person was taken to hospital in a critical condition after a house fire in Otara last night.

Pet terrier saves family from house fire
In the distance, Natasha O'Brien could hear Jewels, her miniature Jack Russell, barking.

Arson murder trial: Evidence 'was lost'
A High Court murder trial has been told that police lost an opportunity to gather forensic evidence during an East Coast homicide inquiry.

Wellington house fire confined to stairwell
A house fire in Wellington was contained before it caused major damage to a two-storey home.

Large fire in Otago now contained
A large vegetation fire in Central Otago has been contained.

Filming to continue despite studio fire
Filming of the sequel to Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon will continue despite a massive fire at the production studio in Auckland overnight.

Large blaze at animal feed store
Five fire appliances are battling a large blaze at an animal feed store in an industrial park in west Ashburton this morning.

Kindy destroyed in Paeroa fire
A kindergarten has been destroyed in a suspicious fire in Paeroa overnight.

Blaze leaves home 'un-liveable'
A Wellington home has been left "un-liveable" following a fire overnight.

'Kids are going to die down there'
Lives were put at risk from couch fires lit too close to houses in Dunedin's student quarter, Dunedin police and the Fire Service have warned.

A 'drug trading company'
An explosive fire in West Auckland led to downfall of an alleged criminal enterprise living the “high life” on the profits of the illicit drug trade.

Baby born in back of car during storm
A Thames mother gave birth in the back of a car this morning as she was driven across farmland to avoid a fallen tree and powerlines blocking the road to hospital.

Children safe after one starts fire
Two children were pulled from a burning car by their mother, who had left them alone in the vehicle while she went to the bank.

Kids rescued from burning car
A passerby has rescued two children from a car fire that started from a cigarette lighter.

Hero cops 'absolutely amazing'
An elderly woman says she is lucky to be alive after two police officers rescued her from her burning Tauranga home.