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

Matakana Fire Update #7

Matakana Fire Update #7

26 December 2023

Firefighting is expected to continue on Matakana Island for several days.

Fire and Emergency Incident Controller Jeff Maunder said thermal imaging from last night’s drone flights had identified around 200 hotspots that would have to be dealt with.

All of the hotspots are inside the containment lines that were established on Sunday.

Ground crews and helicopters were back on the job this morning. Firefighters will be using handtools to dig out hotspots and expose any fire burning underground, then soaking the area with water to ensure it is completely cool. 

The work is complicated by the large number of dangerous trees, damaged or weakened by the fire. 

The fireground remains off-limits to the public.

Fire and Emergency is arranging additional crews and equipment to continue the operation for the next several days to ensure that the fire won’t reignite, before the fireground is handed back to the landowner.

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