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

Matakana Fire Update #3

Matakana Fire Update #3

24 December 2023

Firefighters continue to work on containing a fire on Matakana Island near Tauranga in the Bay of Plenty, with extra resources being sent to the island today.

Fire and Emergency District Commander Jeff Maunder said the immediate aim was to prevent the fire from breaking out into pine forest, and to have it contained by 9pm tonight, when the helicopters will have to stop working.

As of 1pm today, 26 firefighters and three helicopters with monsoon buckets were working to suppress the fire, while heavy machinery is being used to make firebreaks. The fire has burnt over 30 hectares of forestry and slash. Smoke is also drifting across the harbour towards Tauranga, which has prompted several people to call 111 this afternoon.

While the weather conditions have been mostly favourable for firefighting so far, the sea breeze was causing flare ups this afternoon, Commander Maunder said.

Firefighters will stay on the fireground overnight and more crews will be brought in tomorrow. An incident management team has been activated to direct operations. An investigation into the cause of the fire has also begun.

People are asked to stay away from Matakana Island, and to avoid flying drones in the area because our helicopters have to stop operating when drones are near the fireground.

Back to news hub