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

Kaikoura, Hawke's Bay fire updates, prepare for Thursday's weather

Kaikoura, Hawke's Bay fire updates, prepare for Thursday's weather

22 October 2025

Kaikoura fires

Eleven crews, including heavy machinery and dangerous tree fellers, are working across a large area of Kaikoura Flats to continue active firefighting and strengthen containment lines around each of the Kaikoura fires before the wind is due to pick up this afternoon.

There have been two helicopters assisting with ground crews.

State Highway 1 is open to all road traffic with speed restrictions in place from the Northern end of Kaikoura to Ward.

The railway line is now open and operational for all train movements.

Assistant National Commander Ken Cooper says people in the Kaikoura Flats area who haven’t been evacuated must remain vigilant of any spot fires and dial 111 immediately if they see any.

"We need your help to keep on top any new fires that might start as the wind picks up this afternoon through until tomorrow.

"In addition, we are asking every landowner, agricultural contractor, forestry manager and lifestyle block owner to help us avoid any more fires starting, and please check any old burn piles to ensure they are fully extinguished."

A total ban on outdoor fires and fireworks comes into force in Marlborough, Canterbury and Mid South Canterbury from noon today because of the extreme fire risk caused by the next wave of the severe gales forecast to hit the South Island.

Winds are forecast to exceed 100km/hr in many places, with high temperatures and low humidity. Talking points

Fire investigators have arrived on site, but have yet to determine a cause of the fires.

Hawke’s Bay fires

Firefighters remain active at three fires in Hawke’s Bay.

The largest of the fires is the Sale Yard Bridge fire at approximately 245 hectares.

Weather conditions have currently forced air operation to be suspended.

The fires at Bush Road and Schaeffer Road are approximately five and 10 hectares respectively.

Both fires are unable to be fought from the air due to high winds. Ground crews are working at both to ensure the fires are contained.

Ken Cooper says today is an important day to get on top of these fires.

"With the wind picking up again tomorrow, we know we have to make the most of today.

"I would like to reiterate to everyone the message of checking your previous outdoor fires ahead of tomorrow to ensure they are fully extinguished and to light no new outdoor fires."

There is a large amount of smoke in the area, so the nearby residents, particularly those in Porangahau, are advised to keep windows and doors closed and avoid going into the smoke where possible.

Those impacted by the smoke can call their GP or HealthLine on 0800 611 116.

Evacuations are not anticipated on Wednesday, but people in the area should remain prepared with a go-bag in case conditions change.

Hawke’s Bay now has a total ban on outdoor fires and fireworks in place until 8am on 27 October.

Ken Cooper says Fire and Emergency is concerned about the fire risk on the east coast of both islands as high winds combine with warm temperatures and low humidity, creating very high fire risk.

"We’re asking people to not light any new outdoor fires until after Labour Day, and to keep checking on their previous burns to ensure they are fully extinguished and not at risk of reignition.

"In these conditions, it will be very difficult for us to control any fires that get out of control.

"Go to checkitsalright.nz to find out about restrictions in place in your area."

Fire bans

A ban on all open air fires and fireworks is in place in the following Fire and Emergency Districts from midday today until 8am on Monday 27 October:

  • Hawke’s Bay
  • Wellington, including Kapiti Coast and Wairarapa
  • Marlborough
  • Canterbury
  • Mid South Canterbury

The community can help by refraining from letting off fireworks as part of Diwali celebrations while the fireworks ban is in place. People planning outdoor activities over the long weekend should remember that all campfires and bonfires are also prohibited, Ken Cooper says.

Preparation for Thursday

MetService have issued many severe weather warnings for wind and rain across the South Island and much of the North Island.

In preparation for this, people can take the following precautions:

  • Bring inside or tie down anything that can be broken or picked up by strong winds, such as outdoor furniture.

·          

    • If you have a trampoline, turn it upsidedown to minimise surface area exposed to win.
  • Remove any debris or loose items from around your property. Branches and firewood may become missiles in strong winds.

During and after the storm, the following precauations should be taken:

  • Treat all fallen power lines as live.
  • If the power goes off at your property, turn off all appliances including cookers and heaters so that when power comes back on there will be no risk from unattended cooking, items left close to heaters etc.
  • Use torches rather than candles if possible. If you must use candles, keep them away from curtains and other flammable objects. Never leave a candle burning in an empty room.
  • If you are using camp cookers or alternative forms of heating, always make sure they are on a stable surface. Do not use outdoor cooking or heating equipment inside.

ENDS

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