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

Change of fire season for areas within the Nelson Tasman region

Change of fire season for areas within the Nelson Tasman region

4 March 2026

Fire and Emergency New Zealand is enforcing a total fire ban for the St Arnaud zone, which will take effect from 8am on Wednesday 4 March, until further notice.

During a prohibited fire season, no fires are allowed in the open and all fire permits are suspended.

The St Arnaud zone incorporates the urban settlement of St Arnaud and all public conservation land within the zone including Buller Campsite, Jetty Campsite, and the Teetotal Freedom Campsites located to the west of St Arnaud.

Announcing the fire season changes, District Manager Grant Haywood says no further permits will be issued until conditions ease across the area.

"Fires will start and spread very easily and will be more challenging for our firefighters to contain and put out in these conditions," he says.

"If anyone sees signs of smoke, please call 111 immediately."

Due to changes in the fire weather conditions, the Lake Rotoiti zone will also enter a restricted fire season from 8am on Wednesday 4 March until further notice.

A restricted fire season means a permit is required to light an open-air fire.

The Lake Rotoiti zone runs from Kikiwa in the north, Rainbow Road to the east, Kawatiri to the west, and incorporates all of the Nelson Lakes National Park.

"Having a restricted fire season gives us greater control of who can burn and when, and we can provide direct fire safety advice to those completing burns," Grant Haywood says.

All fires in the open air now required an authorised fire permit, these can be obtained by applying online at www.checkitsalright.nz.

"We are asking the public to take extra care during these conditions.

"Go to www.checkitsalright.nz for full details of the fire season status and what activities are restricted or banned."

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