Evacuation Planning Professionals

FIRE EVACUATION SCHEMES

Fire Safety Group – FSG delivers audit-ready evacuation schemes for commercial buildings and workplaces — providing structured compliance support across multiple regions.

Is Your Building Required to Have an Evacuation Scheme?

Certain buildings in New Zealand are legally required to have an approved fire evacuation scheme in place. If your property meets any of the criteria below, a compliant scheme is required.

100 or More People

Buildings where 100 or more people can gather at any one time are required to have an approved evacuation scheme.

10 or More Employees

Buildings where 10 or more people work are legally required to maintain a compliant evacuation scheme.

6 or More People Sleeping

Buildings where 6 or more people sleep require an evacuation scheme, unless the building is made up of three or fewer household units.

Hazardous Substances

Buildings storing certain levels of hazardous substances must have an approved evacuation scheme in place.

Prisons & Holding Cells

Buildings that are prisons or contain holding cells must maintain an approved evacuation scheme.

Care & Early Education

Buildings used for early childhood education, medical nursing, geriatric care, or disabled care services require an evacuation scheme unless the building is a household unit.

*Some sprinklered buildings may qualify for exemption from a formal evacuation scheme, subject to specific regulatory conditions.

For further information, visit the Fire and Emergency New Zealand website

Evacuation Schemes Explained

What Is a Fire Evacuation Scheme?

A fire evacuation scheme outlines how occupants will safely leave a building in the event of a fire alarm or emergency, and where they must assemble.

In New Zealand, many workplaces, apartment complexes, and commercial buildings are legally required to maintain an approved scheme in accordance with Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) requirements.

Fire Safety Group - FSG prepares structured, practical evacuation schemes tailored to your building’s layout, occupancy, fire safety systems, evacuation routes, and warden structure — ensuring compliance while remaining clear and easy to follow.

A Typical Evacuation Scheme Includes:

Typical Scheme Components

Fire alarm system classification and system details
Evacuation method (simultaneous or staged)
Identification of fire cells and escape routes
Assembly point location and procedures
Warden structure and assigned responsibilities
Trial evacuation requirements and reporting

Why It Matters

A compliant evacuation scheme is not simply documentation — it forms a critical part of your building’s life safety framework.

It ensures occupants understand evacuation procedures, reduces liability exposure for owners and managers, and demonstrates compliance with Fire and Emergency New Zealand requirements.

Failure to maintain an approved scheme may result in enforcement action or operational risk.

Evacuation Compliance Made Simple

Managing an evacuation scheme can be complex. Fire Safety Group – FSG works alongside building owners and property managers to ensure schemes are compliant, practical, and easy to maintain. From preparation and submission to ongoing trial evacuations, we manage the process from start to finish.

Industries We Support

We develop and manage compliant evacuation schemes across a wide range of building types throughout the regions.

Commercial Offices

Healthcare Facilities

Retail & Shopping Centres

Hotels & Accommodation

Warehouses & Industrial

Schools & Education Facilities

Apartments & Body Corporates

Factories & Manufacturing Plants

Why Choose Fire Safety Group - FSG for Your Evacuation Scheme?

Practical Scheme Experience

Our consultants actively manage real buildings and understand how schemes work in practice.

FENZ-Compliant Documentation

Clear, structured evacuation schemes prepared in accordance with Fire and Emergency NZ requirements.

Trial Evacuation Management

We coordinate, document and report trial evacuations to maintain ongoing compliance.

Ongoing Scheme Support

Updates, reviews and support as your building changes or requirements evolve.