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

Fire and Emergency New Zealand reminds public of restricted fire season in Inland Buller and Grey zones

Fire and Emergency New Zealand reminds public of restricted fire season in Inland Buller and Grey zones

12 March 2025

Fire and Emergency New Zealand is reminding people the Inland Buller and Grey zones remain in a restricted fire season.

West Coast Community Risk Manager Samuel Bugler says people must remain vigilant and ensure they have a permit before burning.

"We have seen minimal rainfall over the past few weeks, which has allowed the grass to green up, but larger vegetation remain dry," he says.

"If a fire were to spread in these conditions, it would require significant resources to extinguish."

Fire and Emergency operates various weather stations across the West Coast, which measure the dryness across the region and other key factors which influence fire intensity.

"It’s like a bank-moisture goes in, and moisture goes out," Samuel Bugler says.

"Right now, we are losing more moisture to the atmosphere than we are receiving."

To burn in the Inland Buller and Greymouth zones, you must apply for a permit at www.checkitsalright.co.nz. You must ensure the permit has been assessed and confirmed before burning.

Meanwhile, Coastal Buller and Westland remain in an open fire season, but people should remain vigilant in these areas and visit www.checkitsalright.co.nz to check it is safe to light a fire the day you are planning to burn.

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