Hawke’s Bay Battles Multiple Fires: Fernhill and Havelock North Communities on Alert
Hawke’s Bay residents are facing a challenging situation as fire crews battle blazes near Fernhill and Havelock North. A meaningful fire erupted near Fernhill on Tuesday evening, prompting road closures and concerns for nearby properties.Concurrently, a scrub fire threatened homes in Havelock North, though it was contained as of late Tuesday.
here’s a breakdown of the current situation and what you need to know:
fernhill Fire: SH50 Closed, Evacuation Concerns
A fire broke out near Fernhill, resulting in the closure of State Highway 50 (SH50) overnight. Authorities are urging the public to avoid the area and seek alternative routes, anticipating potential delays.
Farmhouse Lodge owner, Dawson Bliss, was alerted to the fire by a tenant.He discovered an old bus ablaze near the Ngaruroro river, with sparks quickly igniting smaller fires across the hillside due to strong winds.
Bliss, proactively utilizing fire breaks he’d previously established on his property, described the fire brigade’s efforts as “throwing plenty of iron at it.” While the lodge and its 25 cabins were evacuated to a safe distance, the full extent of any damage remains unknown. Bliss and his wife, along with tenants, are currently unable to return to the property.
Havelock North Scrub fire: Contained, But Vigilance Remains
A separate scrub fire near Havelock North posed a direct threat to homes. Fortunately, fire crews managed to contain the blaze. Though, residents were advised to prepare to evacuate if they felt unsafe. No formal evacuations were ordered at the time of reporting.
Official Response & Warnings
Hastings Mayor Wendy Schollum expressed her sympathy for those affected, acknowledging the distress caused during the holiday season. She emphasized the critical importance of adhering to the current total fire ban.
“While we had a little bit of rain more recently, it’s not enough to make a meaningful difference,” Schollum stated. “That complete fire ban is something we need our community to take seriously, and that includes things like fireworks too… if you’ve tucked some away from earlier in the year, please don’t set them off.”
Multiple fire restrictions are currently in place throughout Hawke’s Bay, reflecting the heightened fire danger. You can find detailed details on these restrictions here: https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/582270/more-total-fire-bans-take-effect-in-hawke-s-bay.
Staying Informed & Safe
* Avoid Affected Areas: Stay clear of SH50 near Fernhill and exercise caution near havelock North.
* Heed Evacuation Advice: If you feel unsafe, don’t hesitate to evacuate.
* Respect Fire Bans: Comply with all fire restrictions – no open fires, fireworks, or activities that could spark a blaze.
* Stay updated: Monitor official news sources for the latest information.
* Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero: Receive daily updates straight to yoru inbox: https://radionz.us6.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=211a938dcf3e634ba2427dde9&id=b3d362e693
This is a developing situation. We will continue to provide updates as they become available.Your safety and the safety of your community are paramount.
Image Attribution: Sven Ericksen. Smoke from the Fernhill fire seen at 6.11pm on Tuesday,23 December 2025.
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