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

Outdoor fires discouraged in Northland

Outdoor fires discouraged in Northland

25 August 2021

Fire and Emergency New Zealand urges households and landowners across Northland not to light outdoor fires during lockdown, to save firefighters having to respond to calls from anxious neighbours and break their COVID-19 bubbles.

Fire and Emergency responded to 26 calls involving fires in Northland since lockdown kicked in on Wednesday. Thirteen were vegetation fires, 4 were building fires and 9 were other fires such as rubbish fires.

Muri Whenua Area Manger Wipari Henwood says burning of most household waste, which is already illegal in Northland, or any outdoor burning, regardless of whether a fire permit has been acquired, puts firefighters at risk, especially during lockdown.

“Under our strict COVID-19 protocol, each brigade is a bubble. Every time firefighters attend an incident, they risk exposing themselves to people outside their bubble.”

Even controlled burning could be a problem during lockdown.

“Other people or neighbours may not know it is controlled and still call 111, meaning our firefighters will have to break their bubbles to respond. Firefighters are committed to protecting our communities during this challenging time. I urge Northlanders to be considerate of our firefighters’ health, safety and wellbeing.”

The public should also pay attention to fire safety at home as a building fire could potentially spread to neighbouring buildings or turn into vegetation fires.

ENDS

Back to news hub