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

Fire and Emergency New Zealand declares a prohibited fire season for Otago’s Clutha zone

Fire and Emergency New Zealand declares a prohibited fire season for Otago’s Clutha zone

20 Kohitātea 2023

Otago’s Clutha zone has moved to a Prohibited Fire Season as of 8am today, Friday 20 January 2023, until further notice.

A prohibited fire season means a total ban on outdoor fires, and all previously granted fire permits are suspended.

This comes after a prohibited fire season was declared in Upper Waitaki today, with Dunedin, Strath Taieri, and Coastal Waitaki remaining in a restricted fire season.

Community Risk Manager, James Knapp says the long term weather forecast for Clutha has prompted this change of fire season.

"A very long dry spell is predicted in Clutha over the next month, and any rain that is forecast will evaporate quickly," he says.

Large fires can get out of control at any time of the year in Otago, but James Knapp says the forecast weather paired with the significant areas of forestry in Clutha is likely to increase the risk of this happening.

"The large fire that ignited on Coal Gully Road overnight proves how vigilant we need to be at this time of year.

"It only takes one spark to cause a wildfire, so please do your bit to help us keep the Clutha community safe," he says.

You can find information about what you can and can’t do during a prohibited fire season as well as fire safety tips at www.checkitsalright.nz. 

Back to news hub