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

Fernhill Fire Hawke’s Bay Update #1

Fernhill Fire Hawke’s Bay Update #1

23 December 2025

Residents living around the Farmhouse Lodge on the outskirts of Fernhill are being evacuated due to a vegetation fire.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand has firefighters and resources from a wide area responding to the fire, which is moving quickly in very windy conditions.

The Incident Controller, Assistant Commander Warwick LeQuesne, says multiple structures have been destroyed. All residents of the community living around the lodge have been accounted for.

There are seven pumps, 11 tankers and four support vehicles at the scene with more on the way. Crews are focusing on protecting remaining structures. At present it is too windy for helicopters to operate safely.

An earlier estimate had the fire covering an area of 400m x 200m but it has grown since then.

A section of SH50 has been closed - please refer to the New Zealand Transport Agency website for details and detours.

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