Emergency services brace for another 'blast furnace' day as heatwave sweeps over country.

Fire broke out in the Gelita Factory in Woolston at about 11:30. Fire crews took 2 hours to get it under control. A large area was cordoned off but emergency services.

Nearly 50 tourists lost their possessions in a bus fire in Central Otago. Credit: Otago Daily Times

Wind shift threatens houses as tinder-dry grass goes up in flames.

Tourists lose all belongings - including passports - as bus goes up in flames.

Eight helicopters fighting the fire were grounded when a drone was spotted.

A helicopter with a monsoon bucket arrived just before 3.30pm to try and stop the large fire in Wanaka from spreading. Source: Matt Foster

Police say suspect probably has hand or arm injuries.

Couple sought over fire at Skippers campsite make contact with police.

People lighting fireworks need to use commonsense says fire chief.

Steve Askin was an inspiration, says heartbroken widow.

Firefighters were called to the city centre to deal with the smouldering ATM.

Smoke can be seen billowing from an upper floor of the Ibis Hotel in central Auckland. / Supplied by Jason Collie

A couple from England were told to leave their 13th floor room because of smoke.

Scrub fire near Esmonde Road motorway onramp. / Supplied by Matt Borsos.

Three crews have remained on scene to cool down hotspots.

The police are investigating the cause of two fires at Mount Maunganui schools yesterday.

A Waikato household and their treasured family pet escaped from a burning home early today. / Images: John Van De Ven

One house engulfed in flames and another threatened by 400m-wide grass fire.

Scrub fires have broken out in West Auckland. Source: Supplied

Nearly a dozen people needed treatment after a mattress caught alight.

Recalled Samsung washing machines may pose a fire risk for Whanganui homes.

Wildfires that raced across rural properties are no longer burning out of control.

All Blacks legend helps tackle an out-of-control scrub fire near the town of Hororata.

Fires flare up in Canterbury again today. Video/Broadcast Media

Daryl and Salve Cross lost everything after a large fire in Canterbury.

There were multiple calls to 111 about the fire.

Fire services have responded to around a dozen calls for smoke produced from hangis.

Crews are checking the area for hot spots this morning.

Firefighters are responding to a large scrub fire at Rolleston, near Christchurch. / Supplied by Jason Shaw