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

Parts of Inland Otago moving to Restricted Fire Season

Parts of Inland Otago moving to Restricted Fire Season

28 November 2025

Central Otago and the Upper Waitaki will move to a restricted fire season on Monday.

Anyone planning to light an outdoor fire will need a permit from Fire and Emergency, with conditions that will minimise the risk of fires escaping or reigniting.

Fire and Emergency Community Risk Manager James Knapp says that the fire risk typically increases at this time of year as vegetation dries out and temperatures rise.

As summer progresses, escaped fires tend to become harder to bring under control and take longer to completely extinguish.

"The process of applying for a permit enables us to give support and practical advice to people who need to light fires, so they can do this safely, taking precautions against fires escaping and being aware of the weather," James Knapp says.

A restricted fire season covers most kinds of outdoor fires, including land management fires and bonfires. There are a small number of exceptions, including cultural fires like hangi and umu. www.checkitsalright.nz has full details of activities that need a permit in a restricted season and detailed advice about how to use fire safely. Just type in your location and choose the type of activity you’re planning.

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