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.

Balmoral Fire Update #3

Four firefighting crews and two helicopters are back at the vegetation fire ground at Tokarahi near Waitaki today.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand Incident Commander Bobby Lamont says the fire did not develop overnight and remains contained and controlled today.

"Our crews of volunteers and forestry contractors, supported by two helicopters with monsoon buckets, will walk the perimeter of the fire today with hand tools to check for hotspots," Bobby Lamont says.

"We’re aiming to hit it hard today before the warmer temperatures and windier conditions forecast for tomorrow arrive."

The vegetation fire started around midday on Friday and has burnt through just over 800 hectares of farmland, tussock and scrub.

There will be another update later this afternoon.