Southland - Fire and Emergency

Southland - Fire and Emergency Fire and Emergency work across Southland to keep whānau, schools, businesses, and communities safe.

We provide fire safety education, home visits, compliance support, and practical risk reduction to prevent fires and protect lives.

❄️ Winter is a good time to check your smoke alarms.As the weather gets colder, we spend more time indoors using heaters...
31/07/2026

❄️ Winter is a good time to check your smoke alarms.
As the weather gets colder, we spend more time indoors using heaters, fireplaces, electric blankets and cooking more often. That also means the risk of house fires increases.
Take a few minutes today to make sure your smoke alarms are ready to protect you and your whānau.
✅ Press the test button on every smoke alarm.
✅ Gently vacuum away any dust.
✅ If your alarm is chirping, don't ignore it – replace the battery (if applicable) or replace the alarm if it's reached the end of its life.
✅ Make sure everyone knows your escape plan.
A working smoke alarm gives you the early warning you need to get out safely.

International Friendship Day is a reminder that great friendships can start in unexpected places. For many volunteers, t...
29/07/2026

International Friendship Day is a reminder that great friendships can start in unexpected places. For many volunteers, their local fire brigade becomes more than a place to serve the community. It's a place to connect, belong, and build lasting friendships.

Fire brigades bring together people from all walks of life, each with their own skills and experiences. Whether you're responding to incidents, helping at community events, or supporting behind the scenes, everyone has something valuable to offer.

Get involved in your local brigade and join a team of welcoming people where everyone contributes, supports one another, and feels part of something bigger. ❤️🚒

🚨 Ever wondered why our fire siren still goes off? 🚨Here’s the thing: it’s still one of the most reliable ways to make s...
24/07/2026

🚨 Ever wondered why our fire siren still goes off? 🚨
Here’s the thing: it’s still one of the most reliable ways to make sure our volunteers know they’re needed right now.

When someone calls 111, every minute matters. We do get alerts through pagers, apps, calls and texts — but tech isn’t perfect. Coverage drops, messages lag, things fail. The siren is the one backup that doesn’t.

And yes, it’s loud. Yes, it might cut into your day or wake you up. We totally understand.

But when that siren breaks through the noise, think about what’s happening in that moment: someone nearby might be facing one of the worst moments of their life, and our firefighters are dropping dinner, stepping away from work, getting out of bed, or pausing family time to respond.

That sound means your community is on the move and helping each other.

📸🔥 "Do I look hot in this photo?Actually yes. Maybe a little too hot.  A friendly reminder to keep pets a safe distance ...
22/07/2026

📸🔥 "Do I look hot in this photo?

Actually yes. Maybe a little too hot. A friendly reminder to keep pets a safe distance from fireplaces and wood burners. 🐾

There are many factors that will determine if we can access your water tanks if there is a fire at your place:💧 Flow and...
19/07/2026

There are many factors that will determine if we can access your water tanks if there is a fire at your place:
💧 Flow and volume of water
🏠 Location of water tank
🚒 Access for fire trucks to water tanks
👩‍🚒 Connections from the fire truck to the water tank

Thinking of building, or want to know more, give us call.

🔥 This time of year, we see a bit of a trend… and not the good kind 👀There’s an increase in fires caused by how ash is b...
17/07/2026

🔥 This time of year, we see a bit of a trend… and not the good kind 👀

There’s an increase in fires caused by how ash is being disposed of — and yes, the vacuum is often the culprit 😬

We get it… it looks cold, it feels cold… but those ashes can stay hot for up to 5 days 🔥

And vacuuming them up? That’s a fast track to an unexpected fire no one asked for.

Instead, play it safe:
✅ Let ash cool completely (think days, not hours)
✅ Scoop it into a metal container with a lid
✅ Keep it well away from anything that can burn

Your vacuum cleaner will thank you… and so will we 😉

🕷️ Spider spraying done and dusted? One more thing before you relax…While you’ve got your smoke alarms down, take a quic...
15/07/2026

🕷️ Spider spraying done and dusted? One more thing before you relax…

While you’ve got your smoke alarms down, take a quick look at the date 👀

⏰ Did you know they expire after 10 years?

If it’s past its best-before, it’s time for a replacement — easy win for your safety.

Before you call it a day:
✅ Pop your alarms back up
✅ Make sure they’re working properly (give them a test!)

11/07/2026

🔋 In the last year, we have had 12 fires start from batteries.

From phones and power tools to e-bikes and scooters, batteries are part of everyday life. But when they’re damaged, overheated, or charged incorrectly, they can pose a serious fire risk.

Here are some simple safety tips:
⚡ Only use the charger that came with your device
🔌 Don’t overcharge batteries or leave them charging overnight where possible
🔥 Keep batteries away from heat, direct sunlight, and flammable materials
💥 Stop using batteries that are swollen, damaged, or overheating
♻️ Dispose of old batteries safely at approved recycling centres

Most importantly - always have working smoke alarms.

A few small steps can help keep you and your whānau safe.

🚨 If your smoke alarm is beeping this winter, don't ignore it – it's trying to tell you something.  Smoke alarms don't l...
10/07/2026

🚨 If your smoke alarm is beeping this winter, don't ignore it – it's trying to tell you something. Smoke alarms don't last forever. If your alarm is more than 10 years old, it's time to replace it.

For the best protection, install photoelectric smoke alarms:
🏠 In every bedroom
🚪 In hallways between bedrooms and exits
⬆️ On every level of your home

Kitchens, garages and laundries? That's where heat alarms are a better choice, as they're designed to detect rising temperatures without being triggered by cooking fumes.

✅ Test your smoke alarms every month.
📅 Check the manufacture date.
🔄 Replace the entire alarm every 10 years.

A working smoke alarm gives you and your whānau the best chance of getting out safely.

Address

49 Jed Street
Invercargill
9841

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Southland - Fire and Emergency posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share