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

Most of Mid-South Canterbury moves to open fire season

Most of Mid-South Canterbury moves to open fire season

15 April 2025

Fire and Emergency New Zealand will revoke the restricted fire season in most of Mid-South Canterbury from 1am on Wednesday 16 April, until further notice.

An open fire season means permits are no longer needed for open air fires.

The areas this change applies to are: Aoraki/Mt Cook, Glentanner, Pukaki Aero, Tekapo Balmoral, Mt Potts, Mesopotamia Station, Hakatere, and Glenaan Station.

Mid-South Canterbury District Manager Rob Hands says due to recent rain, the fire risk in the District has reduced.

"As we head further into autumn, we expect the fire risk to remain low," he says.

Port Blakely Forests in Geraldine and Waimate and all Public Conservation Land remain in a restricted fire season. These areas are indicated on the attached map.

"If you are planning a burn, you should continue to check the conditions for your area on checkitsalright.nz,"

"You can also find advice on how to conduct your controlled burns safely on this website," Rob Hands says.

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