TDC Sites
Home>A-Z of Services>Fire

General Fire Information and Facts

Information for Homes and Workplaces

Ring 111 to call the New Zealand Fire Service in an emergency.

Fire is fast. In seconds a small flame can turn into a major fire. In minutes a house can be razed.

A fire in your home/workplace is not a civil defence emergency. But every fire is dangerous. If not dealt with immediately it will spread.

Fire Facts

  • Thick black smoke can fill a building in minutes.
  • Room temperatures can rise as high as 1000°C. If you inhale this fiery air you scorch your lungs.
  • Fire releases odourless, colourless carbon monoxide gas. It can lull you into a deep sleep well before any flames reach you.

Basic Fire Protection

  1. Install smoke alarms in your home/workplace.
  2. Work out a fire drill and practise it regularly so when the alarm goes off everyone automatically knows what to do.
  3. Appoint someone to take responsibility for:
  • young children
  • the handicapped
  • the elderly.

What to DO in the Event of a Fire

  • Attempt to put out the fire ONLY if the fire is very small.
  • Smother burning pots with a lid.
  • Close the door of an oven fire.
  • Use the fire extinguisher if it is safe to do so.

When You Open a Door

  • Brace your body against it and open it slowly. This way you can close it again quickly if necessary.
  • If trapped in a room plug the cracks around the door with rugs or bedding to stop smoke filtering in.
  • Try to escape through a window. If the window is too high, alert others to your situation by shouting and waving a brightly coloured item.

If Your Clothes Catch Fire

  • Stop immediately.
  • Drop to the ground.
  • Roll over and over till the flames are out.

As Soon as the Alarm Sounds/Fire Alert is Given

  • Everyone should immediately leave the building by one of the practised escape routes. A moment's delay to "collect valuables" can reduce the chances of a safe escape.
  • Keep as low to the ground as possible during the escape. Hot smoke and gases rise so the clearest air is at ground level.
  • As you leave the house, shut the doors behind you if possible. This prevents further spread of flames and smoke.
  • Use the stairs, not the lift.
  • Do not re-enter a burning building.

Do Not Open a Door If

  • There is smoke billowing around the edges.
  • The door or handle is hot to the touch.

How to Open a Door

  • Brace your body against it and;
  • Open it slowly. This way you can close it again quickly if necessary.

If Trapped in a Room

  • Plug the cracks around the door with rugs or bedding to stop smoke filtering in.
  • Try to escape through a window.
  • If the window is too high, alert others to your situation by shouting and waving a brightly coloured item.

How to Prevent Wild Fires

  • Know your fire authorities' regulations on burning.
  • Teach children fire safety.
  • Isolate flammable liquids.
  • Store firewood safely.
  • Be responsible when lighting fireworks.