The Fire Service is doing everything it can to ensure the Ratana festival is as safe from fire as possible.

Ratana fire brigade has just completed a fire safety project to install free smoke alarms in every home in Ratana village in time for the festivities this weekend.

Over the last few months local Ratana volunteer firefighters have visited all the houses in the village and installed smoke alarms in bedrooms, hallways and living areas.

They also discussed and helped develop a home escape plan with each family they visited, said assistant fire region commander fire safety, Mitchell Brown.

Ratana fills up with people who come from all over New Zealand and other parts of the world to celebrate the birthday of Ratana movement founder, Tahupotiki Wiremu Ratana, said Mitchell Brown.

We are expecting about 30,000 people to attend this year.

We want them to celebrate safely which is why we have made the village as safe as we can.

Firefighters will also be at the camp gates handing out fire safety packs, which include campsite fire safety tips, an escape plan kit and a free smoke alarm for tents or caravans.

We only have a limited number of smoke alarms to give away, about 300 in total, but we will also be checking on campers during the day and evenings to make sure they are being firewise. These fire safety messages will be the focus of our Ratana festival 'firewise' campaign:

There are fire dangers associated with over crowding and the use of alternative lighting such as candles, which can be knocked over.

We suggest that you use flashlights or battery powered lanterns instead.

Take a smoke alarm with you and secure it to the tent pole or caravan roof.

Plan your escape and find out where the safe meeting place is at the campsite.

Take extra care with gas cooking - also store the gas cylinder outside away from your tent or caravan.

Keep barbecue grills away from anything that can burn such as your car, tent, and caravan and keep children away from the area.

Do a night fire check before you go to bed. Keep a clear space around your campsite.