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

Waiinu Beach fire update #3

Waiinu Beach fire update #3

16 December 2025

Fire and Emergency New Zealand crews continue their mahi at the Waiinu Beach fire in South Taranaki.

Assistant Commander Clive Lennox says the rain has been a welcome addition today.

"The smoke has died down considerably, and we’re hoping for more rain to assist in getting the fire under control. At the moment, we have the fire 70 percent contained."

There are currently multiple ground crews and nine trucks and support vehicles working alongside diggers and bulldozers. The helicopter has had to be grounded due to high winds but it is on standby.

"The fire is roughly 30 hectares in size with a 3km perimeter, which is smaller than our initial estimate due to the large amount of smoke yesterday.

"We’ve cut a fire break through the pine forest to stop it from spreading. The next task will be mopping up.

"I’d like to thank our crews and contractors for working around the clock over the last day and night to get this fire contained."

This will be the final update for today unless there are significant changes.

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