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

Restricted fire season for Waikato

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Restricted fire season for Waikato

The Waikato district will move to a restricted fire season from 8am Wednesday 3 February.

The restricted fire season will cover all of the Waikato, Waipa, Otorohanga, Matamata-Piako, Hauraki, Waitomo, and South Waikato District Council boundaries.

Principal Rural Fire Officer Matt Cook says this means anyone in or visiting the Waikato will need to apply for a permit to light an outdoor fire.

"It’s easy to apply for a fire permit. Go to www.checkitsalright.nz and follow the instructions," he says.

"While it’s been nice to enjoy the warm weather we’ve had recently, the hot dry days have meant the fire danger in the Waikato has increased."

"The earlier wet warm weather has meant good grass and scrub growth. These fuels are drying out quickly and can cause fires to spread fast," says Matt Cook.

"Everyone in the Waikato should do their part to reduce the risk of a wildfire."

You can use your gas or charcoal barbecue, and have a hangi or umu, during a restricted or prohibited fire season- but make sure to follow our safety tips on www.checkitsalright.nz.

Thames-Coromandel (from Whangamata and Komata in the south to Port Jackson in the north) and Great Mercury Island remain in a prohibited fire season where there is a total fire ban.