Forest Schools
Cooking on Fire Risk Assessment Template
The complete guide to creating professional risk assessments for cooking on fire activities.
Free to use Instant PDF download Updated February 2026
Essential guidance for campfire cooking safety
Cooking on fire is one of the most rewarding forest school activities, combining fire skills with food preparation. From toasting marshmallows to making damper bread, outdoor cooking creates memorable learning experiences.
This guide covers key hazards including burns from hot food and equipment, food hygiene, allergies, and safe handling of cooking tools.
Outdoor Learning
Outdoor Learning
Activity Benefits
Why cooking on fire matters
Life Skills
Teaches practical cooking and food preparation skills.
Fire Management
Develops understanding of fire control for cooking.
Sharing
Creates community through preparing and sharing food.
Nutrition
Encourages healthy eating and food appreciation.
Risk Identification
Key hazards & control measures
Burns & ScaldsHigh Risk
Potential Harm
Burns from hot pans, scalds from boiling water, contact with fire.
Control Measures
- Heat-proof gloves used
- Long-handled tools
- Safe distance maintained
- Burns kit accessible
Food AllergiesHigh Risk
Potential Harm
Allergic reaction, anaphylaxis from undisclosed allergens.
Control Measures
- Allergies checked beforehand
- Ingredients clearly labelled
- Alternatives provided
- Emergency medication available
Food HygieneMedium Risk
Potential Harm
Food poisoning from improper handling or undercooking.
Control Measures
- Hand washing facilities
- Food stored correctly
- Thorough cooking ensured
- Clean utensils used
Sharp UtensilsMedium Risk
Potential Harm
Cuts from knives and sharp cooking implements.
Control Measures
- Age-appropriate tasks
- Safe cutting technique
- Supervision during prep
- Pre-prepared ingredients
This guide covers the most common hazards. Our risk assessment wizard includes 19 hazards and 49+ control measures for Cooking on Fire, sourced from industry guidance — create your assessment in minutes.
Safety Checklist
Cooking on fire safety checklist
Before Cooking
- Allergies confirmed
- Ingredients checked
- Fire established safely
- Equipment cleaned
Fire Setup
- Cooking fire appropriate
- Tripod or grill stable
- Water bucket ready
- Burns kit nearby
During Cooking
- Heat-proof gloves used
- Adult supervises pans
- Food cooked thoroughly
- Hot items handled safely
After Cooking
- Fire extinguished properly
- Equipment cleaned
- Food waste disposed
- Area left clean
Ready to create your cooking on fire risk assessment?
Use our step-by-step wizard to generate a professional risk assessment in minutes.
