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

Black Jack Fire Update #9

Black Jack Fire Update #9

14 January 2025

Firefighters have spent the morning digging out hotspots in two areas of the Black Jack fireground that were pinpointed by Fire and Emergency NZ's drone team last night.

As each deepseated fire is exposed, helicopters with monsoon buckets drop water to extinguish the burning vegetation, which includes large logs.

Incident Controller Shane Bromley said that the crews are working carefully on steep terrain above Black Jack Road, and described it as "slow going". Traffic management is in place: the road opens for 15 minutes every hour on the hour.

This afternoon the firefighters will switch to patrolling the fireground, monitoring for any signs of flare-ups as strengthening winds, higher temperatures and lower relative humidity will all increase the chance of increased fire behaviour.

There are five crews operating today, supported by two helicopters and an incident management team.

Back to news hub