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

Open fire season for Southland District

Open fire season for Southland District

21 April 2022

Southland is now in an open fire season as at 8am, Thursday 21 April, 2022. An open fire season means permits will no longer be required to light open-air fires.

However, this excludes plantation forests, Awarua Wetlands, and Department of Conservation land, which remain in a restricted fire season. A restricted fire season means a permit is required to light a fire in the open air. You can apply for a permit at www.checkitsalright.nz.

District Manager Julian Tohiariki reminds landowners to be vigilant, and to take responsibility when lighting any fires.

"Before you light a fire, make sure to check the conditions on www.checkitsalright.nz. If it’s hot and windy, please postpone your fire until the conditions are less of a risk," Julian says.

Julian Tohiariki says the recent weather conditions have caused this season change.

"Recent rainfall across the district has reduced the risk of wildfires, and we’re comfortable that permits are not needed at this time," he says.

"It has been an unusually dry season, and we appreciate the fact that our communities have understood the need for the prohibited season over the past few weeks."

For more fire safety advice go to www.checkitsalright.nz.

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