Waiouru fire remains at 3700ha as containment efforts continue

Fire crews are targeting hotspots and strengthening containment lines as a blaze at the Waiouru Military Training Area remains at about 3700 hectares.

The vegetation fire was sparked by gun fire during military training on Sunday.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand incident controller Ben Cozens said drone crews conducting thermal mapping confirmed the fire has remained at approximately that size overnight.

"While containment efforts continue, several hotspots have been identified within areas of mature timber inside the Waiouru Military Training Area," he said.

Department of Conservation crews have joined Fire and Emergency volunteers, New Zealand Defence Force personnel, heavy machinery operators and aerial firefighting teams.

"Fire crews have been deployed to these locations today to suppress remaining areas of heat and strengthen containment lines."

Cozens said forecast rain and strengthening winds were expected to make conditions more challenging and increase demands on ground crews.

"Despite these conditions, firefighting resources remain well positioned to continue suppression efforts and respond to any changes in fire behaviour," he said.