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

Mangakahia Fire Update #1

Mangakahia Fire Update #1

7 March 2025

Firefighters from six brigades, supported by five helicopters, are working to contain a large vegetation fire at Mangakahia in the Far North District of Te Tai Tokerau.

The fire was reported about 12.30pm and is burning through an estimated 11 hectares of scrub, gorse and grassland. One building - a derelict school - has been destroyed. No other structures are at immediate risk and there have been no evacuations.

Fire and Emergency Assistant Commander Corey Matchitt says that about 50 firefighters are working on the flanks of the fire to establish containment lines, with helicopters attacking the head of the fire.

Mangakahia Road has reopened, but people are asked to stay away from the area to let firefighters focus on their work.

Firefighting will continue through the night and fresh crews will be on site tomorrow, supported by heavy machinery and helicopters.

Corey Matchitt says a fire investigation has begun and initial indications are that the fire was caused by sparks from a grinder.

If that cause is confirmed, it will be the second fire in Northland in three days to have been ignited by grinders. He is urging people not to carry out any activity that could generate sparks over the next few days when the fire danger remains very high.

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