Fire Lighting Risk Assessment Template

Typical hazards & measures

• Storm kettle use — Use inside fire square. Children feed small sticks gently under adult guidance, arms away from chimney. Adult pours using gloves, bung chain and wooden handle. Ensure boiling guidance taught.
• Use of unapproved fuel in fire — Ban plastics, wrappers, and unknown artificial items from the fire. Only allow inspected, approved dry wood species to be used. Children must not collect or add fuel without adult inspection. Teach participants how different fuels burn, including moisture content, resin levels, and their effects on safety and smoke production.
• Clothing ignition & unsuitable attire — Check for fitted, natural fibre clothing before approaching fire, with long hair tied back and no scarves or loose synthetic items. Provide spare clothing if needed. If unsuitable clothing is worn, assign an alternate role away from the fire. Keep fire blanket and water within immediate reach. Leaders model safe attire and explain flammability risks to participants.
• Burns first Burns and first aid response — Keep burns kit, fire blanket and water within immediate reach. Ensure staff trained in outdoor paediatric first aid. Conduct a drill so children know where kit is and how to call for help. Log every incident.
• Fire circle boundaries — Each group establishes a clearly marked fire circle with seating 1.2–1.5 m from their fire. Fires must be spaced at least 3–5 m apart, with clear walkways maintained between groups. Mark safe entry/exit points for each circle. Children only enter their group’s circle when invited, one at a time, kneeling rather than standing. Adults circulate between groups to monitor spacing, boundaries, and behaviour. Rules are reinforced at the start of every session.