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

Whangārei vegetation fire update #2

Whangārei vegetation fire update #2

9 January 2025

Fire and Emergency was alerted to the fire in Whangārei at approximately 12.30pm this afternoon. Crews from both Whangārei and Onerahi responded, but the fire escalated quickly

Incident Controller, Graeme Quensell, says, "We currently have five helicopters on site, four with buckets and one acting as observation and they will be operating until sundown.

"The fire is approximately 20 hectares, and we have a large number of resources on site. Two properties have evacuated, one of these self-evacuated while the other property is threatened and continues to be. Our crews will be doing structure protection for the property overnight.

"If at any point residents in the area are worried about their property, they should self-evacuate and call 111."

No roads are currently closed but Whangarei Heads Rd will be slow. Motorists should be aware helicopters will be back operating at first light tomorrow and drive carefully, particularly where there’s smoke.

If residents in the area are impacted by smoke, please keep windows and doors closed and stay inside. Call your GP or Healthline for health advice.

It is not known how the fire started at this stage. An investigation will take place to determine the cause.

Fire and Emergency estimates the fire will take around three days to be extinguished.

Incident Controller, Graeme Quensell, appreciates the support of Fire and Emergency's partner agencies, NZ Police, DHB, and Whangārei District Council in assisting with the safety of our communities during this incident.

Our next update will be around 7.30am Friday 10 January unless anything changes overnight.

Please note, previous media release stated the time of the fire started around 2.15pm. This was an error.

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