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

Temporary fire ban for Manawatū-Whanganui District

Temporary fire ban for Manawatū-Whanganui District

15 December 2025

Fire and Emergency New Zealand is enforcing a total fire ban on open-air fires and fireworks, including paper lanterns, in the entire Manawatū-Whanganui District.

This takes effect from today (Monday 15 December) until Friday 19 December.

During a prohibited fire season, no fires are allowed in the open and all fire permits are suspended.

Manawatū-Whanganui District Manager Glen Varcoe says recent weather conditions have led to vegetation drying out quickly.

"Minimal rain with hot and windy weather over the last few weeks means the fire risk is elevated. In these conditions, fires can start easily and get out of control quickly.

"Fireworks are well known to start fires in these dry conditions. All it takes is one spark for a devastating wildfire to spread.

"Today, we have hard-working crews fighting a large fire in Lismore Forest near Parikino, and another along the Taranaki-Whanganui border at Waiinu Beach," Glen Varcoe says.

"Many of our resources are deployed to these fires. Putting the District into a prohibited fire season will help us keep our District safe and protected."

Glen Varcoe also asks people to think about fire risk before doing things that can generate heat and/or sparks and cause fires.

"If you have any queries about fire safety, there is good advice and guidance at checkitsalright.nz."

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