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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.

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Fire & Emergency New Zealand

Otago’s Lakes zone enters restricted fire season

Otago’s Lakes zone enters restricted fire season

8 December 2023

The Lakes zone in Otago will enter a restricted fire season, as of 8am on Saturday 9 December, until further notice.

This zone incorporates Queenstown and Wanaka and joins Central and Upper Waitaki zones in a restricted season. Central and Upper Waitaki zones moved into a restricted season on Tuesday 5 December.

A restricted fire season means a permit is required to light a fire in open air. You can apply for one at www.checkitsalright.nz.

Declaring the restricted fire season, Fire and Emergency New Zealand’s Otago District Manager Phil Marsh says conditions in Otago are rapidly changing.

"This coming weekend and into the start of next week we are looking at a potential ‘spike’ period where forest fire danger will likely reach ‘very extreme’ in Lakes, Central and Upper Waitaki," he says.

"For that reason, we have made the decision to move Lakes into a restricted fire season.

"Requiring people to have a permit before lighting a fire means our local team can be on hand to provide advice about how to safely conduct a burn."

For fire safety tips, applying for a permit, and more information about the activities you can and can’t do in a restricted fire season,  go to  www.checkitsalright.nz

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