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

Canterbury District moves to Open Fire Season

Canterbury District moves to Open Fire Season

20 March 2023

Fire and Emergency is relaxing restrictions on outdoor fires in its Canterbury District from today (Monday 20 March).

District Manager Dave Stackhouse says the underlying fire danger has eased due to rain and generally cooler autumn conditions, enabling almost all of the district to move from restricted back to open season. The special Forest Protection Zones around Canterbury's production forests will remain in a Restricted Season until further notice.

In open season, outdoor fires are allowed as long as people take sensible precautions including avoiding lighting fires when strong winds are forecast, watching the fire at all times, and making sure it is completely out before leaving.

The area covered by the open fire season includes the Selwyn, Waimakariri and Hurunui Districts, Christchurch and Kaikoura District from the North Bank of the Rakaia River.

There is safety advice for all kinds of fires, including bonfires, land management fires and hangi / umu at www.checkitsalright.nz. 

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