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 NZ declares a prohibited fire season for Hauraki Gulf Islands

Fire and Emergency NZ declares a prohibited fire season for Hauraki Gulf Islands

1 December 2023

The Hauraki Gulf Islands enter a prohibited fire season from 1 December, until further notice.

A prohibited fire season means a total ban on outdoor fires, and all previously granted fire permits are no longer valid.

Declaring the prohibited fire season, Fire and Emergency New Zealand Region Manager Ron Devlin says El Niño-like weather patterns are expected throughout December.

"More frequent warm weather and windy conditions means there is a greater chance of a fire starting and spreading," he says.

"Adding to this, a relatively damp and wet winter has led to exponential growth of scrub and grass, which has the potential over the coming months to dry out quickly, increasing the risk of a fire spreading rapidly."

Ron Devlin says firefighting efforts on the islands can be difficult because they are geographically isolated from the rest of Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland.

"Some islands and communities are only accessible by watercraft. By prohibiting people from lighting fires, we lessen the risk of fire."

The prohibition encompasses all islands of the Hauraki Gulf Islands, including Kawau Island in the Waitematā District.

People should visit www.checkitsalright.nz before lighting any type of fire anywhere over summer, to check they are allowed to in their current fire season.

ENDS

For more information, please contact the Fire and Emergency New Zealand media team.

media@fireandemergency.nz

027 591 8837

Spokespeople also available in te reo.

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