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

Waiouru Fire Update #1

Waiouru Fire Update #1

27 October 2026

A period of light rain and reduced wind speeds at Waiouru have reduced the extent of the active fire at Waiouru, providing an opportunity for ground and aerial firefighting activities in separate parts of the fireground this afternoon.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand and the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) are working together to bring the fire under control.

Fire and Emergency Incident Controller Nigel Dravitzki says that the fire size is currently 3,800 hectares and may take several days to fully contain and extinguish, because of the vegetation and the forecast windy and dry conditions.

Five ground crews have been working to secure the western flank of the fire and are making good headway with hoses and hand tools. NZDF firefighters and crews from local volunteer fire brigades are working together in the ground operations.

This afternoon seven helicopters have resumed the air attack and are currently working to contain the fire’s spread on the eastern perimeter.

Fire and Emergency has established an Incident Management Team including NZDF personnel and is bringing additional resources to support the operation.

Fire and Emergency’s National Coordination Centre has also been activated to support the fire as well as other large-scale fires across New Zealand.

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