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.

Call emergency services as soon as you are out and safe. Ask for FIRE.

Clearly state your address and let the operator know it anyone is still inside or has not made it to the safe meeting place.

Emergency call 111 Emergency text 111
Fire & Emergency New Zealand

All Canterbury under total fire ban from midday Monday

All Canterbury under total fire ban from midday Monday

20 December 2024

Fire and Emergency New Zealand has advised all of Canterbury will be in a prohibited fire season from 12pm Monday 23 December, until further notice.

The district stretches from north of the Rakaia River to just south of the Clarence River.

A prohibited fire season means no outdoor fires are allowed in the district and all fire permits are revoked.

Canterbury District Commander Dave Stackhouse says while current conditions have eased with rain this week, ongoing westerly winds are continuing to create dry conditions.

“The busy holiday period is upon us with greater potential for fires getting started,” he says.

“This is on the back of sustained dry conditions and some large wildfires – such as Bridge Hill, Dunsandel, Kirwee and West Melton.

“We’re putting a prohibited fire season in place to provide peace of mind for people in Canterbury over the Christmas break.

“We’re also aware that farmers, forestry owners and other landowners will need to carry out some activities such as stubble-burning, so we will review the fire season status for some activities in January.”

Dave Stackhouse asks people to think about fire risk before doing things that can generate heat and/or sparks and cause fires.

“If you have any queries about fire safety, there is good advice and guidance at checkitsalright.nz.

“The firefighters in Canterbury have been extremely busy with unwanted fires already this month. If we can all take care this summer, then maybe we can have a bit of a holiday break, too.”

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