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Youth group cooking over campfire
Youth Group

Open Fire Cooking Risk Assessment Template

The complete guide to creating professional risk assessments for youth group campfire cooking, outdoor meal preparation, and fire-based food activities.

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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 campfire cooking safety

Cooking over an open fire is one of the most rewarding outdoor experiences for young people, combining practical skills, teamwork, and connection with nature. This high-risk activity requires rigorous safety planning and competent supervision.

This guide covers everything you need to create a thorough risk assessment—from fire site preparation and burn prevention to smoke hazards, food hygiene, and emergency procedures.

Food cooking over campfire
Youth Activity
Activity Benefits

Why campfire cooking matters

Outdoor Skills

Teaches outdoor cooking skills and fire management techniques.

Teamwork

Promotes teamwork and cooperation in meal preparation.

Self-Reliance

Enhances self-reliance and independence in outdoor settings.

Nature Connection

Fosters appreciation for traditional cooking methods and nature.

Risk Identification

Key hazards & control measures

Burns from FireHigh Risk
Potential Harm

Burns from flames, hot pans, embers, ashes, and accidental contact with fire.

Control Measures
  • Safe distance enforced at all times
  • Long-handled cooking tools used
  • Heat-resistant gloves provided
  • Burns first aid kit ready
Fire SpreadHigh Risk
Potential Harm

Uncontrolled fire spreading to vegetation, property damage, wildfire.

Control Measures
  • Clear area around fire pit
  • Wind direction monitored
  • Water buckets positioned
  • Fire never left unattended
Smoke InhalationMedium Risk
Potential Harm

Respiratory issues, eye irritation, dizziness from smoke exposure.

Control Measures
  • Position upwind when possible
  • Move if wind changes
  • Respiratory conditions noted
  • Regular breaks from fire area
Food SafetyMedium Risk
Potential Harm

Foodborne illness from undercooked food or cross-contamination.

Control Measures
  • Food temperatures checked
  • Raw food kept separate
  • Clean utensils for cooked food
  • Hand sanitizer available

This guide covers the most common hazards. Our risk assessment wizard includes 35 hazards and 105+ control measures for Cooking on Open Fire, sourced from industry guidance — create your assessment in minutes.

Safety Checklist

Open fire cooking checklist

Fire Site

  • Ground cleared
  • Wind direction checked
  • Fire pit stable
  • Safe distance marked

Equipment

  • Long-handled tools ready
  • Heat gloves available
  • Cooking pots stable
  • Utensils clean

Fire Safety

  • Water buckets filled
  • Fire blanket ready
  • Extinguisher accessible
  • Exit routes clear

Emergency

  • First aid kit stocked
  • Burns dressings included
  • Emergency number known
  • Phone signal checked

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