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

Investigation continuing into Christchurch explosion

Investigation continuing into Christchurch explosion

7 August 2019

Fire and Emergency is continuing to investigate the cause and origin of the gas explosion in the Christchurch suburb of Northwood on 19 July.

Over the past week representatives of Fire and Emergency, WorkSafe, the Police and the insurance industry have worked together to reconstruct large portions of the house in which the blast occurred to gain a clearer picture of what happened.

The cause of the blast has not yet been definitively established. Fire and Emergency Christchurch Metro Area Commander David Stackhouse indicated that the investigation will likely continue over the coming weeks and will include the testing of several items of interest found at the blast site.

During the investigation personal belongings, including photo albums, have been recovered from a number of the properties badly affected by the explosion and returned to their owners.

"For many families photographs are their most important belongings," Mr Stackhouse said. 

"Those working on the investigation were delighted that they were able to reunite many of the people affected by the explosion with these irreplaceable items."

The scene of the incident remains under guard while the investigation continues.

If you have concerns about your gas system, contact your gas retailer or a licensed gas worker to check the installation. If you notice a gas smell that persists after you turn off your gas appliances or supply, get outside to a safe place and call 111. For more information and tips about gas safety visit www.gassafety.org.nz.

For more information contact Fire and Emergency Media. Email: media@fireandemergency.nz or phone: 027 591 8837. 

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