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

Waimea moves into restricted fire season

Waimea moves into restricted fire season

3 December 2024

High temperatures and lower rainfall have prompted Fire and Emergency New Zealand to change the fire season in the Waimea fire zone from open to restricted from today.

That means anyone who wants to light a fire – whether a campfire or a burn pile – will need to apply for a permit and comply with relevant conditions until further notice.

Community Risk Manager Steve Trigg says the forecast from NIWA is showing much drier conditions for the Waimea area over the next few weeks leading up to Christmas.

“Hot dry weather adds considerably to the fire risk, and our data shows that conditions have reached the point where we need to limit the number of fires being lit in the area,” he says.

“Waimea is predominantly exotic forestry land, with valleys and lower areas in grass farmlands. This type of vegetation dries out quickly, and burns fast as well.”

All other fire zones in the Nelson-Marlborough District have open fire seasons, except for Sandy Bay zone, were fires are always prohibited, and St Arnaud zone and all Department of Conservation land, where fires are restricted all year round.

“We are continually monitoring all these areas to determine which fire season each area should be in, so we can reduce the fire risk to our safety, property and environment.

“If you’re not sure whether you should be lighting a fire, go to www.checkitsalright.nz where you can enter your address and find out. The website advises on the risk for different types of fire activity and provides fire safety advice."

Back to news hub