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.

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Fire & Emergency New Zealand

Restrictions on outdoor fires in much of South Canterbury

Restrictions on outdoor fires in much of South Canterbury

20 January 2023

Much of South Canterbury is moving into a restricted fire season today, meaning that a permit will be required to light most kinds of outdoor fires.

Fire and Emergency NZ has imposed the restrictions on the Ashburton High Country, Mackenzie Basin High Country and Hakataramea Valley. There is already a complete ban on setting off fireworks in the whole of the Mackenzie Basin, while there is a permanent restricted fire season in the Geraldine Forest Zone, Waimate Forest Zone and on all public conservation land.

Mid South Canterbury District Manager Rob Hands said that the new measures reflected the elevated fire danger caused by persistent hot, windy conditions and drying vegetation.

“The locals understand that there is a permanent risk of wildfire in this area, and we have been fielding requests to put restrictions in place so that visitors are made aware of the danger and can avoid accidentally starting a fire.”

Some types of fire, such as hangi and camp stoves, are still allowed in a restricted fire season provided people follow all the guidance on the www.checkitsalright.nz website. That site is also the place to quickly find out whether any kind of outdoor fire is permitted in any location, and get advice on how to use fire safely.

Mr Hands said that farmers who applied for a permit to light a land management fire would find it was processed swiftly.

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