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

Fire and Emergency battling large vegetation fire at Cape Reinga

Fire and Emergency battling large vegetation fire at Cape Reinga

29 March 2023

A combination of helicopters and ground crews are currently preventing the spread of a large vegetation fire situated inland from the Te Werahi Loop walking track (Twilight Track), Cape Road, Cape Reinga in the Far North.

The fire, in rolling hills covered with manuka and other small plant life, was reported to Fire and Emergency at 15.20 yesterday afternoon (Tuesday 28 March).

Fire and Emergency Incident Controller Rory Renwick said the fire area currently covers a total of 390 hectares; however not all of that area has been burned.

"Today we have 10 helicopters in the air in strong gusty southerly conditions. At the moment they are preventing the fire from flaring and spreading further to the north and our expectation is that we will be able to continue to hold it; however if it does get away, it will be hard to stop.

"Meanwhile four ground crews are focused on the southern edge of the fire area - in the general location where it began yesterday - working to ensure the edges are out to prevent it spreading with the wind change that is forecast for Friday."

The fire is on a combination of public conservation and private land. This area is of cultural, environmental and recreational significance and significant to Ngāti Kuri Iwi who are proactively assisting with the event. Both the area around the iconic Cape Reinga lighthouse, and the Ngāti Kuri-operated campground at Tapotupotu Bay, were evacuated yesterday afternoon and State Highway 1 is closed from Te Paki Stream Road north. 

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