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

Mission Accomplished: firefighters return from Victoria

Mission Accomplished: firefighters return from Victoria

13 February 2026

New Zealand firefighters have completed four weeks of service in Victoria, working on bushfires in the north of the state.

The second contingent of 22 personnel will return home tomorrow (14 February) after two weeks based near Tallangatta in the northeast of Victoria. 

The Bravo team had replaced the Alpha deployment, with each composed of 20 firefighters drawn from Fire and Emergency volunteer brigades, the Department of Conservation and forestry companies. Two liaison officers accompanied each deployment.

The teams have been working alongside crews from Australia and Canada, which had also sent support.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand Assistant National Commander Ken Cooper says the kiwis’ work ethic and achievements have been widely praised. 

"As well as firefighting and mopping up operations, they were tasked with assessing and clearing trees in areas where the fires had passed through. This is an essential part of the recovery for communities," Ken Cooper says.

"Fortunately, conditions have eased in Victoria and other states are currently managing the level of bushfire activity in their own areas. 

 "At this point we have no other requests for assistance, but we remain in close touch with our partner agencies in Australia as the fire season is far from over."

The 44 personnel who deployed to Victoria were all experienced in firefighting in arduous conditions, including high temperatures and challenging terrain. 

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