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

Waiinu Beach Fire Update #1

Waiinu Beach Fire Update #1

15 December 2025

Fire and Emergency New Zealand is fighting a large vegetation fire at Waiinu Beach in South Taranaki.

Assistant Commander Clive Lennox, the Incident Controller, says residents of Waiinu Village are on standby to evacuate because embers and smoke from the fire are being blown towards the community. Police are alerting residents and telling them to prepare in case evacuation is required.

The fire is estimated to cover about one square kilometre. Ten urban and rural fire crews are responding with fire trucks, supported by two helicopters and a tanker along with a Command Unit and Incident Support Vehicle.

The fire was reported at 2.05pm.

Fire and Emergency is reminding everyone considering having an outdoor fire for any purpose to go to the www.checkitsalright website and make sure that the conditions are suitable before they light the fire and that there are no restrictions in place.

Firefighters are dealing with several vegetation fires across the lower North Island as a result of uncontrolled fires fanned by strong winds.

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