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

Restricted fire season for Bay of Plenty

Restricted fire season for Bay of Plenty

13 January 2026

Fire and Emergency New Zealand is moving Bay of Plenty to a restricted fire season at 5pm on Tuesday 13 January, until further notice.

A restricted fire season means a permit is required to light an open-air fire.

Announcing the fire season change, Community Risk Manager Luke Burgess says the recent warm and dry weather means the fire risk across the region has increased.

"In these conditions fire will travel fast and will be difficult for our crews to extinguish.

"Having a restricted fire season gives us greater control of who can burn and when, and we can provide direct fire safety advice to those completing burns."

The public can apply for a permit at www.checkitsalright.nz

Luke Burgess says that although some isolated rain is forecast, it will be predominantly dry, hot and windy which increases the fire danger.

"We are asking the public to take extra care during these conditions."

For fire safety tips and more information about the activities you can and can’t do in a restricted fire season, go to www.checkitsalright.nz. 

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