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

Firefighters tackle multiple vegetation fires in Canterbury

This page is available in English
View in English

Firefighters tackle multiple vegetation fires in Canterbury

20 Pipiri 2026

Firefighters are responding to several vegetation fires caused by strong winds in Canterbury this afternoon, including a fire in a forestry block in Hurinui and a substantial fire near Rolleston which has impacted at least one structure.

Fire and Emergency Assistant District Commander Brian Keown is urging people to check on any fires including burn-offs lit in the past two weeks to ensure that they were not reigniting, and to avoid lighting any fires in the current conditions.

Crews were dispatched to a forest fire in O’Carrolls Rd, Hawarden, in Hurunui District at 2.18pm today. Up to 16 crews supported by a helicopter are working to bring the fire under control.

Earlier, firefighters from seven brigades responded to a hedge fire at McQueens Valley Road in Gebbies Valley, near Christchurch around 12.30pm.

Eight appliances are also attending a wildfire in Mount Culverden which was reported about 2.30pm

Back to news hub