Forest Schools
Fire Lighting Risk Assessment Template
The complete guide to creating professional risk assessments for fire lighting activities.
Free to use Instant PDF download Updated February 2026
Essential guidance for fire lighting safety
Fire lighting is one of the most memorable and transformative forest school activities. Learning to create fire safely using traditional methods builds confidence, respect for nature, and essential survival skills.
This guide covers key hazards including burns, smoke inhalation, fire spread, and safe use of fire steels and tinder.
Outdoor Learning
Outdoor Learning
Activity Benefits
Why fire lighting matters
Survival Skills
Teaches essential outdoor and survival capabilities.
Risk Management
Develops understanding of fire safety and responsible behaviour.
Achievement
Creates powerful sense of accomplishment when fire is made.
Community
Campfire brings groups together for stories and reflection.
Risk Identification
Key hazards & control measures
BurnsHigh Risk
Potential Harm
Contact burns, radiant heat burns, ember burns to skin and clothing.
Control Measures
- Clear fire circle established
- Safe distance maintained
- Long sleeves recommended
- Burns kit accessible
Fire SpreadHigh Risk
Potential Harm
Uncontrolled fire spread to surrounding vegetation or materials.
Control Measures
- Fire pit or fire bowl used
- Cleared area around fire
- Water and fire blanket ready
- Wind direction checked
Smoke InhalationMedium Risk
Potential Harm
Breathing difficulties, eye irritation, aggravated asthma.
Control Measures
- Upwind seating positions
- Dry wood used
- Asthmatics positioned carefully
- Space to move away
Fire Steel SparksMedium Risk
Potential Harm
Spark burns to skin, eyes, or igniting unintended materials.
Control Measures
- Correct technique taught
- Spark directed away from body
- Clear area for practice
- Close supervision
This guide covers the most common hazards. Our risk assessment wizard includes 25 hazards and 106+ control measures for Fire Lighting, sourced from industry guidance — create your assessment in minutes.
Safety Checklist
Fire lighting safety checklist
Before Lighting
- Site permission confirmed
- Fire circle established
- Water bucket ready
- Fire blanket accessible
Fire Setup
- Fire pit or bowl in place
- Dry fuel prepared
- Wind direction checked
- Seating positioned safely
During Activity
- Adult supervising fire
- Children briefed on rules
- Safe distance maintained
- Asthmatics monitored
After Session
- Fire fully extinguished
- Embers cooled with water
- Ash disposed safely
- Equipment stored
Ready to create your fire lighting risk assessment?
Use our step-by-step wizard to generate a professional risk assessment in minutes.