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Youth group bonfire celebration
Youth Group

Bonfire/Firework Display Risk Assessment Template

The complete guide to creating professional risk assessments for youth group bonfires, firework displays, and fire-based celebrations.

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Free to use Instant PDF download Updated February 2026

In This Guide

1 Introduction & Overview 2 Activity Benefits 3 Hazards & Control Measures 4 Safety Checklist 5 Related Guides

The essential guide to bonfire and firework safety

Bonfires and firework displays create magical, memorable experiences for youth groups, bringing communities together around the primal draw of fire and spectacular visual displays. These high-risk activities demand rigorous safety planning.

This guide covers everything you need to create a thorough risk assessment—from fire positioning and exclusion zones to firework storage, crowd management, and emergency response procedures.

Firework display over crowd
Youth Activity
Activity Benefits

Why bonfire events matter

Community

Creates a sense of community and shared experience among participants.

Cultural Traditions

Enhances storytelling and cultural traditions through fire rituals.

Responsibility

Encourages responsibility through safe fire management practices.

Lasting Memories

Builds memories and strengthens group cohesion.

Risk Identification

Key hazards & control measures

Fire Spread & BurnsHigh Risk
Potential Harm

Severe burns, clothing catching fire, bonfire collapse, uncontrolled fire spread to surrounding areas.

Control Measures
  • Minimum safe distance barriers established
  • Bonfire built away from trees and structures
  • Fire extinguishers and water supplies ready
  • Trained fire wardens supervising at all times
Firework MisfireHigh Risk
Potential Harm

Explosions, burns, debris injuries, panic among spectators.

Control Measures
  • Only trained adults handle fireworks
  • Spectator exclusion zones clearly marked
  • Fireworks checked for damage before use
  • Misfire procedure communicated to all staff
Crowd ManagementHigh Risk
Potential Harm

Trampling, blocked exits, evacuation delays, crushing injuries.

Control Measures
  • Clear entry and exit routes established
  • Capacity limits set and monitored
  • Emergency evacuation plan communicated
  • Stewards positioned throughout venue
Weather ConditionsMedium Risk
Potential Harm

Wind spreading fire, debris trajectory changes, hypothermia, slips on wet ground.

Control Measures
  • Weather forecast monitored before event
  • Wind speed limits for cancellation set
  • Contingency date arranged if needed
  • Wet weather clothing advised

This guide covers the most common hazards. Our risk assessment wizard includes 35 hazards and 102+ control measures for Bonfire/Firework Display, sourced from industry guidance — create your assessment in minutes.

Safety Checklist

Bonfire event checklist

Fire Safety

  • Safe location selected
  • Exclusion zone marked
  • Extinguishers positioned
  • Fire wardens briefed

Fireworks

  • Storage secure and dry
  • Launch area cordoned
  • Operator trained
  • Misfire plan ready

Crowd Control

  • Entry routes clear
  • Exit routes lit
  • Stewards positioned
  • PA system working

Emergency

  • First aid point set
  • Burns kit stocked
  • Emergency access clear
  • Communications checked

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