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

Canterbury fires update #8 - Swannanoa

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Canterbury fires update #8 - Swannanoa

20 Kohitātea 2024

Firefighting will continue until dark at the Swannanoa vegetation fire, which is burning over an estimated 12 hectares in and around the Waimakariri riverbed near Christchurch.

Fire and Emergency Incident Controller Bruce Janes said that one helicopter was continuing aerial firefighting this evening, supporting crews from several brigades. Overnight crews will patrol and monitor the fireground. Six crews will return in the morning, supported by diggers.

Cordons will stay in place until the fire is out, and we ask that people stay well away from the area so our firefighters can focus on their task.

Although the cause of this fire is under investigation, Bruce Janes has repeated that people should not be doing any outdoor activities that could start a fire. Every household in a rural area should have an evacuation plan in case of wildfire, because in the current windy conditions, fires moved quickly and were very challenging to put out.

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