Wildfires move quickly. Here's what to do if you or your property are under threat of wildfire, and how to clean up afterward.
What to do during a wildfire
If in doubt, get out!
Wildfires move quickly. If you can see smoke or flames from a wildfire and you feel unsafe, don't wait for an official warning to leave. Evacuate immediately. Call 111 if your life or property is threatened, or you can't evacuate on your own.
If you have time before you evacuate:
- turn on sprinklers
- fill gutters with water
- wet down materials like firewood that may fuel the fire
If there is time, you can also:
- move vehicles to a safe location
- move lightweight outdoor items inside
- wet down the sides of buildings, decks and plants close to your home
- move animals and livestock to a well-grazed or ploughed area
- close windows, doors and vents, and shut blinds
- seal gaps under doors and windows with wet towels
Stay informed. Listen to the radio or follow your Civil Defence Emergency Management Group online.
Do not fly drones around the fire. Drones affect firefighting air operations
What to do after a wildfire
Only return home if you are told it is safe to do so. Watch out for firefighters still working in the area.
Stay informed because the situation can change quickly. Photo: RNZ/Nathan Mckinnon
Some roads may still be closed because of:
- ongoing firefighting operations
- fallen trees and branches
- downed powerlines
- damage to roading infrastructure.
Stay informed because the situation can change quickly and get worse again. Listen to the radio or follow your Civil Defence Emergency Management Group online.
Watch out for burnt trees, hot embers on the ground and fallen powerlines.
Treat all damaged trees as dangerous. Don't walk under them until an arborist has assessed them.
Treat any fallen powerlines as live until the power authority has confirmed otherwise.
Cleaning up after a wildfire
Get professional advice about ventilating and cleaning if your home or belongings smell of smoke. It's not uncommon after a wildfire for the smell of smoke or a smoky haze to remain for several days.
When cleaning up, wear:
- enclosed footwear
- eye protection
- gloves
- a face mask
- long trousers
Contact your local council's environmental health officer for advice before using:
- food collected from the property
- onsite feed supplies for animals
- water from storage tanks for drinking
Boiling water does not remove fire retardants or other chemicals from your water.
- National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA)
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