Our 3-Step Escape Plan

  • First Escape Route
  • Second Escape Route
  • Meeting Place
Notes

Use this space to note any additional information about your escape plan, i.e. who will assist

Your checklist
  • Get low

    Smoke is poisonous and more deadly than flames.

    If you breathe smoke for more than a few breaths it can kill you.

  • Be fast

    A house fire can kill you in less than three minutes.

    Don't spend time trying to save possessions.

  • Close doors

    A closed door buys you time.

    It slows down the spread of fire, giving you more time to get to safety.

  • Get out - stay out!

    People have died by going back into a fire.

    Don't leave the meeting place to go back inside for any reason.

Fire & Emergency New Zealand

Forest fire on Matakana Island

Forest fire on Matakana Island

"Fire and Emergency New Zealand was alerted to a forest fire on Matakana Island near Tauranga in the Bay of Plenty at 7.36pm this evening.

We have several crews in attendance at the fire in a forestry block in south Matakana," says Fire and Emergency Shift Manager Garreth Lewis.

"The fire is approximately 300 metres by 300 metres and its very visible from the mainland," he says.

"Fire crews will remain on scene overnight to monitor the fire and we ask people to stay away from the area.

" We have multiple crews that will respond to the fire tomorrow morning by barge and a helicopter on scene at first light."

There will be a further update at around 9 am tomorrow morning.