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

Bay of Plenty, Tongariro and Taupō move to an open fire season

This page is available in English
View in English

Bay of Plenty, Tongariro and Taupō move to an open fire season

17 Paengawhāwhā 2024

The Bay of Plenty and South Waikato Districts of Tongariro and Taupō move to an open fire season from 9am Wednesday 17 April, until further notice.

An open fire season means people can light outdoor fires without a permit from Fire and Emergency New Zealand.

The Bay of Plenty region includes Tokoroa, Rotorua, Central Lakes, North Central and South Plateau, Urewera, Whakatāne, Ōpōtiki, Tauranga and Kawerau, as well as Tongariro and Taupō in South Waikato.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand Bay of Plenty Acting District Manager, William Pike, says recent rainfall across the District, together with shorter days and cooler temperatures mean the risk of fire danger has decreased.

"This lowered risk does apply to larger burns, however anyone planning a large land clearing burn is still advised to produce a burn plan highlighting risks and mitigation and let us know.

"Anyone who is unsure of the current fire season status and whether they can light a fire, should go to www.checkitsalright.nz to check. There is also access to fire permit applications and fire safety tips on checkitsalright.nz

"We’re now turning our communities’ attention to the fire safe practices to be considered for winter," he says.

Find information about winter fire safety here.

Back to news hub