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

Fire and Emergency declares a restricted fire season for Otago's Alpine Zone

Fire and Emergency declares a restricted fire season for Otago's Alpine Zone

Otago’s Alpine Zone is now in a restricted fire season, as of 8am this morning (27 January 2023) until further notice.

This includes the upper reaches of Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea, Makarora, Matukituki Valley, and Glenorchy, through to Rat Point.

A restricted fire season means a permit is required to light a fire in the open air.

Otago’s Lakes and Central Zones remain in a prohibited fire season, which means a total open air fire ban.

Group Manager Nic McQuillan says the weather forecast for the Alpine zone has prompted this change.

"There will be little to no rain over the next few weeks, and the vegetation in the area is drying out," he says.

"We still have many holidaymakers in the area, and moving into a restricted season means activities such as lighting campfires and bonfires will need a permit.

"We ask that everyone remains vigilant and checks the conditions before lighting any fire," he says.

"With the history of large and uncontrolled fires at this time of year in the Otago district, it’s important to understand the risks of lighting any fire.

"The recent Mt Creighton fire has shown significant fires can ignite and spread quickly even in moderate fire danger periods," he says.

"Anyone with a permit will need to comply with specific conditions on their permit so they can light their fire safely. You can apply for a permit at www.checkitsalright.nz."