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

Parts of Canterbury move to a restricted fire season

Parts of Canterbury move to a restricted fire season

14 March 2024

The Canterbury plains and coastal fire zones will move from a prohibited to a restricted fire season from 0800 hours on Friday 15 March, until further notice.

A restricted season means you need a permit approved by Fire and Emergency New Zealand to light an outdoor fire.

The rest of Canterbury including the hills and high country, the Port Hills, Banks Peninsular and Christchurch city remain in a prohibited fire season, which means no outdoor fires are allowed.

Announcing the fire season change, District Commander Dave Stackhouse says all applications for fire permits in the restricted zones will be assessed, and not necessarily approved.

"All permits that are issued will have strict conditions placed on them along with a majority requiring a site visit from Fire and Emergency before approval can be granted," Dave Stackhouse says.

"We understand farmers on the plains need to carry out burn offs as part of their land management, but we urge people to take extra care as the fire danger is still high."

Some fire types are allowed without a permit but under conditions. These include gas barbecues, hāngī, umu or lovo and drum incinerators - but with a lid.

Go to www.checkitsalright.nz to find out where you can light a fire and to apply for a permit.

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