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

Residents asked to avoid burning fires at beaches this summer

Residents asked to avoid burning fires at beaches this summer

23 January 2024

Hawke’s Bay residents are being urged not to burn fires in the open, especially at beaches this summer.

During December 2023 Fire and Emergency crews attended 23 vegetation fires, mainly along local beaches from Bay View to Te Awanga. This is compared to the nine vegetation fires crews attended in November 2023.

The primary cause of last month's fires was people burning rubbish and woody debris.

Hawke’s Bay Community Risk Manager Nigel Hall says while the triggers have not been met for the region to enter a restricted fire season, there is cause for concern.

"Temperatures are continuing to rise and as we enter the busiest part of the fire season, our crews are spending a lot of time attending beach fires."

"We need the public to be responsible and vigilant and not set fires that are going to require our attendance.

"In these conditions, fires will spread rapidly, grass and scrub are easily ignited, and fires will be difficult to control."

Nigel Hall said Fire and Emergency is working closely with Napier City Council and Hawkes Bay Regional Council to remove waste wood from local beaches to prevent unwanted fires, and urges people not to burn them themselves. 

Burning of rubbish is illegal under the Hawke's Bay Regional Council.

"Finally, please go to www.checkitalright.nz to check it is safe and legal to light fires where you are and to access safety advice."

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