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 Update #7

Waiouru Update #7

30 October 2026

Firefighters from Fire and Emergency New Zealand, New Zealand Defence Force, and Department of Conservation are continuing to work to extinguish hot spots in the Waiouru Military Training Area today, although weather conditions may make it tough going for crews working on the ground.

Incident Controller Ben Cozens says crews are facing chilly temperatures, and the afternoon forecast includes the wind picking up significantly and rainfall, although not enough to extinguish the smouldering fires in bush areas.   

“Drone crews confirmed overnight that the fire has still not increased in size since Wednesday, with the burnt area covering 3623 hectares,” Ben Cozens said.

“More hotspots have been mapped including through the Te Rei Bush area, where crews are working today.

“We have 68 firefighters supported by an 18-person Incident Management Team, and NZDF personnel and machinery are working to open existing access tracks so firefighting operations can continue in the steep terrain.  

“Safety of all our crews is still our top priority, and we have safety teams setting thresholds for crews to work within.”

Parts of the Waiouru Military Training Area are beginning to be released for NZDF to return to normal operations, although firefighting activities are likely to continue for a number of days.

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