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Kiwi Firefighters Use Shovels And Rakes On 'Arduous' Aus Bushfires

31/1/2026

Two Kiwi firefighters have described the "heartbreaking" conditions on the ground as they help crews battle severe bushfires across Victoria.

Twenty-two firefighters responded to a call for assistance from Australian officials after record-high temperatures in the region led to a spate of out-of-control fires.

In a changing of the guard, a second group of Kiwis will be heading over, as the first team of 22 were set to return home on Monday.

Taskforce Leader Phil Muldoon said efforts looked a bit different in the extreme Australian conditions, saying New Zealand's usual use of water was "a bit of a luxury over here".

Muldoon described digging a handline to contain a five-hectare bushfire caused by lightning on day one of the job. "Arduous is the correct term, certainly hard work [with] long, long days in very remote locations."

Roger Nelson (left) and Phil Muldoon (right).

Liason Officer Roger Nelson described their work as "a lot of hard physical work with shovels and rakes". Nelson acknowledged the Victoria conditions, saying "temperature has been up there, but the wind has been playing ball".

The Kiwi firefighters have been staying in tents at a fire camp in Tallangatta, close to the New South Wales border. Nelson said the sight of burnt townships and farms was "absolutely heartbreaking".

"The average guy who's got a farm, and he's had a fire go through, it's quite sad when you see the aftermath... and to see what is remaining and how they pick themselves up again and go forward," said Muldoon. The pair said extreme conditions were easing up at the tail end of their deployment. "The fire activity has settled down a fair bit, fortunately," Muldoon said.

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First Week Wrapped: Kiwi Crews Supporting Major Victorian Fire

26/1/2026

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The Alpha deployment team has wrapped up their first week on deployment in Victoria, where crews continue working around the clock on a fire that’s burnt more than 112,000 hectares and remains under “Watch and Act” conditions. With hot, windy weather forecast, the focus is firmly on protecting communities and strengthening containment lines.

Phil found himself on 7 News this week, giving Ōkāreka and New Zealand a solid showing while supporting the effort across Mt Lawson State Park and the Wabba Wilderness area.

The fire has destroyed 16 homes and over 90 structures. It is spreading slowly in a southerly direction. Extreme, hot, and windy weather forecast for late January 2026 is threatening to increase fire activity.

The fire is managed from the Tallangatta Incident Control Centre, supported by approximately 100 Incident Management personnel from Victoria, New South Wales, ACT, Tasmania and Queensland. International personnel from Canada and New Zealand have also joined crews on the fireground.

Approximately 450 firefighters from FFMVic, CFA and interstate partners are on the line, supported by heavy-machinery and aircraft.

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New Zealand Firefighters sent to help fight Australia's bush fires

19/1/2026

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Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) has sent 22 firefighters to Victoria, Australia to help fight the catastrophic bushfires. There are currently ten active bushfires — including four major ones burning under extreme conditions. They departed on Monday morning and will return to New Zealand on 2 February.

Victoria is experiencing extreme weather conditions with multiple bushfires, which have killed one person, caused extensive damage to homes, property and the environment. Emergency Management Victoria formally requested help from FENZ last week.

FENZ said the contingent being sent consists of 20 firefighters experienced in arduous conditions, and two liaison officers. One of the crews is from the Department of Conservation, one is from the forestry industry and the other two crews comprise volunteer firefighters from FENZ brigades around the country.

Assistant National Commander Ken Cooper said the firefighters' tasks would be confirmed when they reach Melbourne, but they are equipped and ready to stay at a fire camp in a remote location. Fire and Emergency has international agreements to provide mutual assistance, and regularly deploys personnel overseas to Australia, Pacific Islands and North America. "We assess each request to ensure that we have the capacity to send appropriate personnel without compromising our ability to maintain full capability to respond to incidents at home," Cooper said.

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Motorhome Catches Fire On SH5

16/1/2026

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Emergency services attend a house-bus fire on State Highway 5 near Tumunui.

Flames ripped through a “house-bus” on State Highway 5 near Tumunui this morning, destroying the motorhome and prompting an emergency response. Fire crews arrived to find the vehicle “fully involved” and quickly extinguished the blaze.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand's Northern Communication Centre shift manager, Josh Pennefather, said everyone was out of the motorhome and no injuries were reported. Pennefather said crews remain on scene monitoring for hotspots while a tow truck was arranged to remove the burnt-out vehicle from the highway. Firefighters from Rotorua attended the incident, supported by a Lake Ōkāreka water tanker.

Police said they received a report of a vehicle on fire on SH5 about 10am and are assisting with traffic management while emergency services work at the scene.

A spokesperson for NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi said the road reopened after being closed for almost two hours. The road was operating under stop-go traffic management, with motorists advised to expect delays and allow extra time for their journeys.

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