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 Otago District Central Zone

Total fire ban for Otago District Central Zone

18 December 2020

There is a total fire ban in Otago District Central Zone from 8am this morning (Friday 18 December).

The prohibited zone includes Alexandra, Clyde, Cromwell, Wanaka, Lake Hawea, Naseby, Ranfurly, Kurow, Otematata, Omarama and Middlemarch. The rest of Otago remains in a restricted season.

The zone going into a total fire ban has been in a restricted fire season since the beginning of October.

Any permits acquired during the restricted season will no longer be valid now when the prohibition order comes into effect.

Principal Rural Fire Officer Mark Mawhinney says there have been a couple of grass fires recently that quickly spread and could have easily got out of control.

"This is a clear sign that any fires or spark generating activities are just too dangerous in the present conditions," says Mark Mawhinney.

"Low moisture levels paired with expected high temperatures and high winds means everyone from locals to holidaymakers need to be careful about what they are doing around Central Otago this summer.

"We are urging everyone to keep their fireworks at home, cancel any bonfire plans and think about how they plan on cooking when outside.

"The strong winds we regularly see in the Central Zone can easily blow cookers over," Mr Mawhinney says.

With an expected increase in the numbers of holidaymakers in the area, Fire and Emergency recommends visitors create an escape plan for themselves as well.

"Any new visitors should understand the area they are staying in and know where the potential exit routes are."

Mr Mawhinney also has a simple message for anyone wanting to do some DIY or spark generating activities.

"If it is hot and windy, keep it in the shed."

For more information please head to checkitsalright.nz.

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