Wildfires in Southland, New Zealand
Southland is a region of New Zealand — tussock grassland, high-country stations, plantation forest and the Southern Alps. This live map tracks every wildfire and satellite hotspot detected across Southland, updated continuously from NASA satellite data and official national fire sources. Wildfires here peak from December to March, when dry tussock and the hot, gusty nor-west wind can carry a fire across open high country very quickly. Its capital is Invercargill. Other main centres include Gore and Te Anau.
Current fires in Southland
No significant fires are currently detected in Southland.
Main towns
Invercargill Gore Te Anau
Neighbouring regions
Wildfire season in Southland
Wildfires across Southland peak from December to March, when dry tussock and the hot, gusty nor-west wind can carry a fire across open high country very quickly. Higher temperatures, low humidity and wind make fires start and spread faster — check the fire-danger level before lighting any fire or working outdoors.
What the Southland fire map shows
Every fire on this page is an automatic heat detection from NASA satellites (VIIRS and MODIS), grouped into fire events and updated continuously; where official national sources publish data, it is shown alongside. Satellite detections are not verified on the ground — never use them for safety decisions, and always follow the emergency services (call 111).
Frequently asked questions
When is the wildfire season in Southland?
Which places in Southland does the map cover?
Where does the Southland wildfire data come from?
Is the Southland fire map official?
⚠️ The fires shown are automatic satellite heat detections from NASA FIRMS. They are not verified on the ground and are not 100% accurate — they can include false alarms (industrial heat, burn-offs) or miss small or cloud-covered fires. Do not use this map for safety decisions; always follow Fire and Emergency New Zealand.