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

Open fire season for most of Nelson Marlborough

Open fire season for most of Nelson Marlborough

24 April 2026

Fire and Emergency New Zealand is revoking the restricted fire season in most of the Nelson Marlborough District from 8am on Friday 24 April, until further notice.

This means the Waimea, Coastal, Nelson North, Lake Rotoiti, Murchison, North Marlborough, and South Marlborough zones join the Golden Bay zone in an open fire season.

An open fire season means you do not need a permit from Fire and Emergency to light an outdoor fire.

All Department of Conservation land (PCL) remains in a restricted fire season, meaning anyone wanting to light a fire needs a permit approved by Fire and Emergency.

Sandy Bay remains in a prohibited fire season, meaning all outdoor fires are banned.

District Commander Grant Haywood says the autumn conditions have reduced the fire risk across the district.

"Thanks to shorter days, cooler temperatures, and increased rainfall, there is no longer a need to impose restrictions on outdoor fires.

"However, if you are lighting a fire, it is your responsibility to do so in a safe manner.

"Fires must be kept to a manageable size and smoke drift should not be a hazard for motorists. If it is windy, please postpone your burn.

"We urge everyone to continue going to www.checkitsalright.nz before lighting any fires to check if it’s safe to light and to access safety advice."

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