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

Lee Valley Fire Update #5

Lee Valley Fire Update #5

8 February 2024

Four crews of firefighters and two heavy machinery operators worked through the night at the Lee Valley fire. Fire and Emergency Incident Controller Steve Trigg says two urban crews were tasked with protecting structures while the two rural crews and the excavator operators were making fire breaks and control lines.

The fire is not yet controlled or contained, but there has been no reported damage to property overnight, aside from the forest itself.

Seven helicopters will be back in the air this morning to resume the aerial attack, while the excavators would continue making firebreaks.

Specialist forestry silviculture / firefighting crews would be on the ground, using thermal imaging equipment to identify hotspots and tackling each one with hand tools and hoses. The command unit is also on site and continuously staffed.

All roadblocks remain in place and people are asked to stay away so emergency services are not delayed in moving in and out of the area.

Steve Trigg has also stressed that private drones must not be flown anywhere near the Lee Valley, to avoid helicopters having to be grounded to avoid the risk of a mid-air collision.

Nelson-Tasman Civil Defence advises that the civil defence centre at the Wanderers’ Clubrooms on Lord Rutherford Drive will reopen at 8am.

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