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.

Fire & Emergency New Zealand

Prohibited fire season for Tararua and Wairarapa

This page is available in English
View in English

Prohibited fire season for Tararua and Wairarapa

Tararua district is now in a prohibited fire season. The change in fire season was effective from 8am yesterday (Monday 10 February) and follows the Wairarapa district going into a prohibited fire season last week (effective 8am Monday 3 February).

Principal Rural Fire Officer Nick Pyatt says all fire permits in the Tararua and Wairarapa are suspended during the total fire ban.

"A prohibited fire season means the fire danger is too high and no fires are permitted."

"Only gas and charcoal barbeques can be used while a prohibited fire season is in place."

"It’s extremely dry here making for extreme fire conditions. In these conditions it can only take a spark to start a fire. That spark can come from equipment such as a lawnmower, grinder, welding or even a plough."

It is vitally important that people understand these risks and take precautions.

"If you’re using any machinery that could spark, please use it in the morning or evening during the cooler parts of the day," says Nick Pyatt.

It’s also important that people are prepared and make sure their property is fire safe.

"Making sure your roofs and gutters are clear of dead leaves, debris and pine needles will help protect your home as these can create fuel for a fire. Move anything that could burn (such as mulch, leaves, firewood piles) away from exterior walls, decks or porches."

You can find more information on how you can reduce the risk of fire at www.checkitsalright.nz.