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

Canterbury Vegetation Fires Update #3

Canterbury Vegetation Fires Update #3

20 June 2026

Fire and Emergency New Zealand had multiple significant vegetation fires in Canterbury and one in Marlborough today, but all were largely under control by 9pm tonight, with winds easing and rain assisting firefighters in many areas.

Most were vegetation fires, including a large hedge fire in Ward, in Marlborough, which earlier this evening had up to 20 crews from across the Nelson and Marlborough in attendance. Covering about one hectare, the fire had been contained by around 9pm, with no active fire fronts. However, crews will remain overnight as strong winds are proving  a significant ongoing risk, Nelson-Marlborough District Commander Grant Haywood says.

Canterbury Assistant District Commander Brian Keown says that while the rain and forecast lower temperatures tomorrow will ease the situation, Canterbury is extremely dry for this time of year.

Anyone who has lit an outdoor fire in the last week should check that it is completely out. And farmers or lifestyle block owners thinking about land management fires should always refer to www.checkitsalright.nz and be mindful of the weather forecast before lighting any new fires.

Today’s fires included:

  • Eyrewell in the Selwyn District, alerted at 8.35am. At its peak, 13 crews were in attendance, with support by a helicopter. The fire was extinguished by 4pm.
  • Vegetation fire at Gebbies Valley near Christchurch, which was reported as a hedge fire just before 12.30pm. Sixteen crews responded at peak but he fire was out by around 5pm.
  • Forestry fire at Hawarden in the Hurunui District, reported just before 2.20pm. Eighteen crews of firefighters supported by a helicopter were involved at the peak of the response. Heavy rain has fallen and a skeleton crew is remaining overnight.
  • An escaped burn-off at Mt Culverden, reported just before 2.40pm. All fires were out by around 6.30pm.
  • A hedge fire at Emu Plain in the Hurunui District, reported just after 3pm. Six crews were dispatched and the fire was out around 5.45pm.
  • A tree fire on the Inland Kaikoura Road, Hurunui District, reported about 4.10pm. Two crews attended and the fire was out by around 8pm.
  • A fire which escaped from a burn pile at Kaipara, Hurunui District, reported just after 4.20pm. Seven crews attended, with the fire out around 7pm.
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