Forest Schools
Open Fire Risk Assessment Template
The complete guide to creating professional risk assessments for open fire management.
Free to use Instant PDF download Updated February 2026
Essential guidance for open fire management
Managing an open fire is a core forest school skill that enables cooking, warmth, and community gathering. Safe management requires understanding fire behaviour, weather conditions, and maintaining constant supervision.
This guide covers key hazards including burns, fire spread, smoke exposure, and safe fuel management.
Outdoor Learning
Outdoor Learning
Activity Benefits
Why open fire skills matter
Warmth
Provides warmth for outdoor sessions in all seasons.
Cooking
Enables outdoor cooking and hot drinks preparation.
Community
Creates focal point for group gathering and storytelling.
Respect
Teaches respect for fire and responsible behaviour.
Risk Identification
Key hazards & control measures
Burns & ScaldsHigh Risk
Potential Harm
Contact burns, radiant heat burns, scalds from hot liquids.
Control Measures
- Fire circle established
- 1.5m minimum distance
- Adult controls access
- Burns kit immediately available
Uncontrolled SpreadHigh Risk
Potential Harm
Fire spreading to vegetation, equipment, or structures.
Control Measures
- Fire bowl or cleared pit used
- Minimum 3m clearance
- No fires in high wind
- Extinguishing equipment ready
Smoke InhalationMedium Risk
Potential Harm
Respiratory irritation, eye discomfort, asthma aggravation.
Control Measures
- Seating positioned upwind
- Dry wood minimises smoke
- Space to move away
- Asthmatics monitored
Tripping HazardsMedium Risk
Potential Harm
Falls into fire from tripping on logs, sticks, or uneven ground.
Control Measures
- Clear area around fire
- Log seating stable
- No running near fire
- Good lighting
This guide covers the most common hazards. Our risk assessment wizard includes 23 hazards and 88+ control measures for Open Fire, sourced from industry guidance — create your assessment in minutes.
Safety Checklist
Open fire safety checklist
Site Setup
- Permission obtained
- Fire location suitable
- Area cleared 3m radius
- No overhanging branches
Safety Equipment
- Water bucket full
- Fire blanket accessible
- Burns kit nearby
- Gloves available
During Fire
- Adult supervising constantly
- Fire circle respected
- No running
- Hair tied back
Fire Out
- Fire fully extinguished
- Embers drowned
- Cold to touch tested
- Area left safe
Ready to create your open fire risk assessment?
Use our step-by-step wizard to generate a professional risk assessment in minutes.
