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

More New Zealand firefighters deploy to Australian bushfires

More New Zealand firefighters deploy to Australian bushfires

31 January 2026

A second Fire and Emergency New Zealand deployment of firefighters departs today to support firefighting efforts in Victoria, Australia.

This follows a formal request from Emergency Management Victoria for an exact replacement of our current Alpha deployment who are due home on Monday.

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

Deputy National Commander Brandan Nally says the Alpha contingent have done a great job supporting Australian firefighters in tough and challenging conditions in the north-east of the state, where a bushfire has been burning out of control since it broke out on January 5.

“Fire and Emergency has received very positive feedback from the Australians for the work Alpha has done and I know the Bravo contingent of firefighters will continue the good work.”

Bravo deployment will work as four crews of five plus a Field Liaison Officer and a Jurisdiction Liaison Officer. One crew is from the Department of Conservation, and the other three crews are firefighters from the South Island plus two forestry workers.

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. 

The Bravo firefighters are experienced in working on complex wildfires in difficult terrain and hot temperatures. 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.

Back to news hub