FIRE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- Can I call 111 for animal rescue?
- When I call 111 why do I get asked what was the last town I went through?
- When I call 111 why do I get asked the name of the property?
- How long will it take for a fire engine to arrive after I call 111?
- What do I do if a fire engine has not arrived?
- How long does it take the Fire Service to answer 111 calls?
- Does the Fire Service issue fire permits on 111 lines?
Can I call 111 for animal rescue?
It is recommended that you contact your local SPCA initially for advice. The Fire Service may then respond to render whatever assistance it can.
When I call 111 why do I get asked what was the last town I went through?
One of the difficulties of locating emergency incidents, particularly motor vehicle accidents away from urban areas, is callers not knowing where they are. To assist the 111 calltakers, should an emergency arise, as you pass though a town make a mental note of its name and how long since you passed through it.
When I call 111 why do I get asked the name of the property?
In rural calls if the property or homestead has a name supply it – for example 'Tussock Downs'. To most responding firefighters, many of whom live locally, a property name is something in many cases they are immediately familiar with. If the property does not have a name, supply the owners name if known.
How long will it take for a fire engine to arrive after I call 111?
The New Zealand Fire Service Communications Centres do everything they can to get a fire appliance and other required emergency resources to emergencies as soon as possible.
The time it takes for a fire appliance to arrive will depend on a number of factors including:
- How far away the nearest f ire appliance is from your emergency.
- How complex the location is to get to. For instance, if the emergency is in an isolated rural area, it will take longer for a fire Appliance to arrive than in an urban area.
- If the closest fire appliance is committed at a fire/emergency call the the next closest will be responded. You will always receive a response from the Fire Service.
- Travel times for fire a ppliances can take longer in peak traffic times due to the density of the traffic.
What do I do if a fire engine has not arrived?
If the fire appliance has not arrived within the time frame you would realistically expect phone 111 again, ask for Fire and explain that you previously called.
How long does it take the Fire Service to answer 111 calls?
The International best practice is that 90% of emergency calls should be answered within 8 seconds and this is routinely achieved by the New Zealand Fire Service. Occasionally due to heavy workload this time may be exceeded, If it's an emergency, stay on the line. Your call will be answered as quickly as possible.
Does the Fire Service issue fire permits on 111 lines?
The 111 lines must only be used for emergency calls. Fire permits are issued by your Territorial Local Authority (TLA).
