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

Restricted fire season for Otago District’s Central Zone

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Restricted fire season for Otago District’s Central Zone

20 Kohitātea 2021

Otago District Central Zone will move to a restricted fire season effective from 8am Wednesday 20 January.

The central zone includes Alexandra, Clyde, Cromwell, Wanaka, Lake Hawea, Naseby, Ranfurly, Kurow, Otematata, Omarama and Middlemarch.

There has been a total fire ban in the Otago District Central Zone since 18 December 2020.

However, recent rainfall has reduced the fire danger levels which means the area can now join the rest of the Otago District in a restricted fire season.

Deputy Principal Rural Fire Officer Bobby Lamont says the restricted fire season means people in the Otago District Central Zone may be able to light an outdoor fire if they apply for a permit and follow the conditions listed on it.

"Being in a restricted season also gives land managers and contractors the ability to undertake any necessary fire related work on their properties, if they have a fire permit," says Bobby Lamont.

"While we are changing seasons from prohibited to restricted, we still need our communities to remain vigilant about wildfire risks."

"We are likely to see high temperatures and a dryer than usual summer so people should think carefully about the activities they are planning," says Bobby Lamont.

"If the danger is red, keep your tools and machinery in the shed to avoid a spark and starting a fire."

"If you’re planning a fire, make sure to go to www.checkitsalright.nz to check the local fire danger and apply for a fire permit."

Fire and Emergency will continue to monitor fire conditions in case changing weather conditions necessitate a move back to a prohibited fire season.

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