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

Restricted fire season for Clutha

Restricted fire season for Clutha

31 October 2025

The Clutha area of Otago will move to a restricted fire season from 8am 1 November until further notice.

A restricted fire season means a permit is required to light a fire in open air.

While the fire danger in the area remains relatively low, resources are stretched across the area following last week’s severe weather event.

In declaring the restricted season, Fire and Emergency New Zealand Otago District Manager Craig Geddes says there are a number of risk factors outside of fire danger which have led to the decision being made.

"We’re aware people may be wanting to burn storm debris, but the Clutha District remains in a State of Emergency.

"Several town water supplies remain compromised, while heavy machinery is also being used to help with the cleanup - both water access and heavy machinery are key tools in fighting vegetation fires.

"We’ve also got a lot of green vegetation that has fallen. When this is burned, it can smoulder for long periods and present risk in the future during windy, dry periods over late spring and summer.

"While we’re not preventing people from burning, having permits in place means we have direct involvement in the burn process and can provide advice to those wishing to burn."

For more information or to apply for a permit, please visit www.checkitsalright.nz. Please note, there may be a five to 10 day wait time to assess fire permits from the time of application.

Those not in the Clutha area of Otago should continue to take all precautions with open air fires. 

Tips include:

- Place the burn pile on the lee side (sheltered side) at least 30 metres away from trees, hedges, sheds or other structures, and avoid powerlines.

- Create a five-metre wide fire break to stop a creeping ground fire

- Let the material dry out. Newly fallen branches and other green material will not burn cleanly, creating more smoke.

- Before burning, always go to www.checkitsalright.nz to check that it is safe to burn and see any restrictions for your location, including if you need a fire permit.

People should also check their local council’s restrictions on outdoor burning and be mindful of their regional council air quality rules.

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