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 Nelson-Marlborough moving to restricted fire season

Parts of Nelson-Marlborough moving to restricted fire season

31 March 2026

Fire and Emergency New Zealand is declaring a restricted fire season in the Coastal, Waimea and Lake Rotoiti zones of the Nelson-Marlborough District, from 8am on Tuesday 31 March until further notice.

The Coastal, Waimea and Lake Rotoiti zones extend from and include Abel Tasman National Park, Nelson Lakes National Park, Kahurangi National Park (east of the Mt Arthur Range), Richmond Ranges and all the areas of the Waimea Plains and urban settlements.

During a restricted fire season, people wanting to light outdoor fires must apply to Fire and Emergency for a permit and have it approved.

District Commander Grant Haywood says increased rainfall has allowed the District to move these areas from a prohibited fire season to a restricted fire season.

"We had a good few days of regular rain last week which has decreased the risk of fires starting and spreading quickly.

"While the risk has reduced, it doesn’t take much for the vegetation to dry up again.

"Everyone planning an outdoor fire must go to www.checkitsalright.nz to check the conditions are safe to light.

"You can also access safety tips and guidelines for your fire on this website. Please follow these and help us keep our District protected from wildfires," Grant Haywood says.

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