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 Wairarapa

Open fire season for Wairarapa

9 February 2026

All parts of the Wairarapa District which have been in a restricted fire season move back into an open fire season as of 8am Monday 9 February, until further notice.

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

Fire and Emergency’s Wellington Community Risk Manager Philip Soal says the restricted fire season has been revoked for Inland Northern, Inland Central, South Wairarapa, Western Ranges, Southern Coastal, Central Coastal and Northern Coastal.

"This means all Wairarapa is now in an open fire season," he says.

Philip Soal says the fire danger in the Wairarapa has reduced to the point that fire restrictions are no longer required.

"The wetter than normal weather we’ve had means escaping fires will travel slower and will be easier to extinguish.

"However, the conditions can change quickly, so if you’re planning on lighting a fire, remember to continue going to www.checkitsalright.nz to check if it’s safe to light."

Back to news hub