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

Waiouru Fire update #2

Waiouru Fire update #2

27 October 2026

Firefighters are continuing their work to contain the vegetation fire burning in the Waiouru Defence Area.

Fire and Emergency’s Incident Controller, District Commander Nigel Dravitzki, says that fire activity has died down today but some flare-ups are expected overnight.

The fire has burnt through 3840 hectares of scrub and grassland, but has not affected any structures. Smoke from the fire is affecting a wider area and Health New Zealand advises that people who are particularly sensitive to smoke may experience symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, or irritation of the eyes, nose and throat. Anyone with health concerns can call Healthline 24/7 on 0800 611 116 for free health advice, or their own family doctor.

Firefighters have worked to protect a repeater station, a Pa site and other culturally significant areas.

Drone crews will be working overnight to map and monitor the fire perimeter.  

Tomorrow, ground crews from the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) and local Volunteer Fire Brigades will be supported by aircraft with heavy machinery on standby.

Nigel Dravitzki says that steep terrain, the vegetation and weather conditions will continue to make this a challenging fire to contain and extinguish.

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