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.

Fire & Emergency New Zealand

Wellington building fire update #3

Wellington building fire update #3

Fire crews continue work at the site of a building fire in Newtown, Wellington this morning that has claimed multiple fatalities.

District Manager Nick Pyatt says the number of deaths or people unaccounted for cannot be confirmed at this time.

Relief crews have relieved our overnight firefighters this morning to complete mopping up work.

Six crews are currently on-site including an Urban Search and Rescue Squad made up of technicians and drone operators.

The USAR squad is currently assessing structural integrity before investigations start.

‘Once we've gained access to the building following structural integrity process, we will work on mopping up hotspots to allow for the investigation process,’ Nick Pyatt says.

He says Fire and Emergency will be working with police on investigations.

‘At this stage any cause of the fire or any other details around the circumstances of the fire are cannot be confirmed.’

At its peak 29 crews which amounts to more than 80 firefighters attended the fire.

People in the area should avoid exposure by keeping windows and doors closed, turn off air conditioning, and avoid touching any material from the fire.

Health effects from asbestos released from fires is generally considered low risk.

ENDS

For more information, please contact the Fire and Emergency New Zealand media team.

media@fireandemergency.nz

027 591 8837

Spokespeople also available in te reo.