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

Total fire ban for Canterbury District

Total fire ban for Canterbury District

2 September 2024

All outdoor fires are now banned in Canterbury until next Monday.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand has declared a prohibition on fires in the open air across the Canterbury District – from north of the Rakaia River to just south of the Clarence River.

The prohibition on open air fires under section 52 of the Fire and Emergency New Zealand Act 2017 will run for a week, until 11.59pm on Monday 9 September.

The prohibition means a total ban on outdoor fires.

All previously granted fire permits are no longer valid.

Acting District Commander David Key says there is continued warm and windy weather forecast across the district over the coming days.

"While the fire danger is currently at the lower end it is strong winds that are of major concern.

"We have seen numerous fires occur due to similar weather patterns over the last three months. The prohibition on open air fires under Section 52 is the best way to try and prevent further fires across the region," says David Key.

High winds and warm weather caused the fire at a forestry block in Waipara, North Canterbury, to jump containment lines yesterday.

The fire, which is burning through the forestry block has since doubled in size with multiple crews expected to be in attendance until the end of the week.

"We have seen how high winds have caused extreme fire behaviour and difficult conditions for firefighting at Waipara."

David Key urges everyone to check on old burn piles to make sure they are fully extinguished.

"It is also important to know what you can and can’t do during a Section 52 prohibition on open air fires, so please head to www.checkitsalright.nz for tips and fire safety advice." 

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