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 fireworks restrictions lifted in parts of Otago

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Fire and fireworks restrictions lifted in parts of Otago

31 Poutūterangi 2025

Fire and Emergency New Zealand has changed restrictions on outdoor fires and fireworks in some parts of Otago from 8am on Monday 31 March, until further notice.

Central Otago, Naseby and Upper Waitaki areas have moved from a prohibited fire season to a restricted fire season, which means open air fires are now allowed as long as they have a permit granted by Fire and Emergency. People can apply for a permit at checkitsalright.nz.

The Strath Taieri area is now in an open season, which means no permits are needed for outdoor fires. However, most fires on conservation land within Strath Taieri will still require a permit.

The ban on lighting fireworks has been revoked in Central Otago and Upper Waitaki, but they are still prohibited in Naseby and Lake Ōhau special risk zones.

Before lighting a fire, people must check the fire restrictions for their location and apply for a fire permit if that’s required by visiting checkitsalright.nz.

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