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 starts for Thames-Coromandel, Waikato Northern

Open fire season starts for Thames-Coromandel, Waikato Northern

18 April 2025

Fire and Emergency New Zealand is moving the Waikato Northern and Thames-Coromandel Districts back to an open fire season from 8am this morning, Friday 18th April, until further notice.

An open fire season means people planning to light fires outdoors no longer need to apply to Fire and Emergency for authorised permits. 

Waikato District Manager Daryl Trim says the summer temperatures have given way to cooler autumn conditions, so the fire risk has lowered.

“As always, we ask people to take care when lighting any fires, and to check the conditions for your location on www.checkitsalright.nz,” he says.

“This weekend however, with the expected wind from ex Tropical Cyclone Tam, we urge the public to delay the lighting of an any fires.

“Always take care with any fire, and check for reignition which can still happen weeks after a fire has been extinguished.”

Department of Conservation lands are still in a restricted season, so permits are needed from Fire and Emergency before lighting any fires on those properties.

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