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

Tairāwhiti’s Kōpūtūtea zone moves into open fire season

Tairāwhiti’s Kōpūtūtea zone moves into open fire season

27 January 2026

Fire and Emergency New Zealand moved the Kōpūtūtea zone of the Tairāwhiti District back into an open fire season at 8am this morning (Tuesday 27 January 2026).

An open fire season means fires can be lit without a permit, as long as people use common sense and follow fire safety guidelines, which can be found on www.checkitsalright.nz.

Tairāwhiti District Manager Peter Clark says the fire danger has reduced to the point that fire restrictions are no longer required.

"The recent significant rainfall and the higher humidity the easterly winds have brought to our District have significantly lowered the risk of fires starting and spreading.

"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."

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