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

New Zealand firefighters deploy to Victoria

New Zealand firefighters deploy to Victoria

19 January 2026

Fire and Emergency New Zealand has sent 22 firefighters to Victoria today, following a formal request from Emergency Management Victoria. 

The contingent consists of 20 firefighters experienced in arduous conditions, and two liaison officers.  

One of the crews is from the Department of Conservation, one is from the forestry industry and the other two comprise volunteer firefighters from Fire and Emergency brigades around the country. 

They departed this morning and will return to New Zealand on 2 February. 

Victoria is experiencing extreme weather conditions with multiple bushfires, which have already caused loss of life and extensive damage to homes, property and the environment. 

Assistant National Commander Ken Cooper says the firefighters who have been selected for this deployment are all experienced at working on complex wildfires in difficult terrain and hot temperatures. Their taskings will be confirmed when they reach Melbourne, but they are equipped and ready to stay at a fire camp in a remote location. 

Fire and Emergency has international agreements to provide mutual assistance, and regularly deploys personnel overseas to Australia, Pacific Islands and North America.

“We assess each request to ensure that we have the capacity to send appropriate personnel without compromising our ability to maintain full capability to respond to incidents at home,” Ken Cooper says.

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