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Scout cooking outdoors at campfire
Scouting & Guiding

Campfire & Outdoor Cooking Risk Assessment Template

The complete guide to creating professional risk assessments for campfire and outdoor cooking activities.

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Free to use Instant PDF download Updated February 2026

In This Guide

1 Introduction2 Benefits3 Hazards4 Checklist5 Related

The essential guide to campfire safety

Campfire cooking is a core scouting tradition that teaches fire safety, food preparation, and teamwork. From toasting marshmallows to cooking full meals over open flames, these activities require careful supervision and risk management.

This guide covers everything you need to create a thorough campfire cooking risk assessment—from fire site selection and fuel handling to food hygiene and emergency procedures.

Youth gathering around campfire
Scouting Activity
Scouting Activity
Activity Benefits

Why campfire cooking matters

Life Skills

Teaches valuable fire lighting, food preparation, and cooking skills.

Teamwork

Encourages teamwork through shared responsibilities around meals.

Confidence

Builds confidence through mastering practical outdoor cooking techniques.

Social Bonding

Promotes cultural and social bonding through shared campfire activities.

Risk Identification

Key hazards & control measures

Fire SpreadHigh Risk
Potential Harm

Fire spreading to tents, property damage, uncontrolled wildfire.

Control Measures
  • Select fire site away from tents and vegetation
  • Clear area around fire of flammable materials
  • Keep water and fire extinguisher nearby
  • Never leave fire unattended
Burns & ScaldsHigh Risk
Potential Harm

Burns from flames, hot equipment, scalds from boiling liquids.

Control Measures
  • Use heat-resistant gloves when handling hot items
  • Keep safe distance from flames
  • Supervise all cooking activities
  • Establish clear fire zone boundaries
Food PoisoningMedium Risk
Potential Harm

Illness from undercooked food, cross-contamination, poor storage.

Control Measures
  • Cook food thoroughly to safe temperatures
  • Keep raw and cooked foods separate
  • Store food at correct temperatures
  • Ensure handwashing before food handling
Carbon MonoxideHigh Risk
Potential Harm

CO poisoning from stoves or embers in enclosed spaces.

Control Measures
  • Never use stoves inside tents
  • Ensure adequate ventilation
  • Brief participants on CO dangers
  • Carry CO detector for indoor cooking areas

This guide covers the most common hazards. Our risk assessment wizard includes 24 hazards and 60+ control measures for Campfire & Outdoor Cooking, sourced from industry guidance — create your assessment in minutes.

Safety Checklist

Campfire cooking safety checklist

Fire Setup

  • Fire site cleared
  • Fire circle established
  • Fuel stored safely
  • Wind direction checked

Food Safety

  • Allergy list available
  • Food stored correctly
  • Handwashing available
  • Cooking temperatures checked

Equipment

  • Cooking kit inspected
  • Heat gloves available
  • Knives stored safely
  • Gas cylinders checked

Emergency

  • Fire extinguisher ready
  • Water bucket nearby
  • First aid kit stocked
  • Burns treatment available

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