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

Woolston scrap yard fire

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Woolston scrap yard fire

Firefighting efforts have been successful in reducing the significant fire at the scrap yard in Woolston, Christchurch.

The fire has been contained to the main car pile, although it is still burning and will be for some time. There are seven fire trucks fighting the blaze at the moment.

This will be a long duration incident and firefighters are expected to be on the scene throughout Thursday.

The smoke plume is currently going straight up, and Assistant Commander Dave Key said people in the immediate area should stay indoors, while residents and businesses should keep their doors and windows closed.

Cordons remain in place on the streets around the fire, including Cumnor Terrace, Garlands Road and Marshall Street.

Fire and Emergency has personnel at each of the cordons to assist those residents who self-evacuated to get back to their homes. 

"We again would like to thank the public and surrounding businesses for their co-operation as we fight this fire," Key said.

Environmental efforts continue to ensure the runoff into the Heathcote River is either stopped or contained. Booms were put in place on the river and sucker trucks are being used to drain any runoff.