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

Prohibited fire season for entire Hauraki Gulf from today

Prohibited fire season for entire Hauraki Gulf from today

1 December 2025

All islands of the Hauraki Gulf will move to a prohibited fire season from 8am Monday,1 December 2025 until further notice.

This includes the populated islands of Waiheke, Great Barrier, Rakino, Kawau and Ponui as well all other islands in the Gulf.

A prohibited fire season means no fires are allowed in the open air and all fire permits are suspended.

Declaring the prohibited season, Fire and Emergency New Zealand’s District Manager for Counties Manukau, Geoff Purcell, says forecast dry north westerly winds and above average temperatures could combine to significantly escalate fire dangers on the islands.

"With the temperature increasing, scrub and grasses will start drying out quickly. Combined with periods of extended warm, dry spells, there’s a high risk of wildfires occurring and spreading fast."

Geoff Purcell says the risk only becomes higher with the increase of visitors to the islands in December.

"We’ve had significant wildfires on the islands in previous Decembers caused by visitors lighting fires without knowledge of the surrounding environment. These fires have spread and damaged property and the environment."

He says the risk of significant fires is increased due to the islands’ isolation.

"The islands are only accessible by sea, and only some have airports. This can make responding to wildfires or evacuations delayed and difficult. We want to do everything we can to decrease the possibility such wildfires in the islands this summer."

Go to www.checkitsalright.nz for more information.

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