Open Fire Risk Assessment Template
Create a professional, comprehensive risk assessment for open fire in forest schools settings. Tailor hazards and measures to your needs and download a professional PDF. Add your own branding.
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What this covers.
This template focuses on typical risks and controls for open fire in forest schools settings. You can add, remove or adapt items to match your context.
Potential benefits
- Improves understanding of thermal comfort and warmth in outdoor environments.
- Encourages collaboration through group experiences gathered around an open fire.
- Teaches the importance of boundaries and supervision in managing fire safely.
- Provides a focal point for community, reflection, and storytelling.
- Supports outdoor cooking experiences and learning about heat and food safety.
Typical hazards & measures
- Burns from carrying hot pots or pans — Use heat‑proof gloves, pan grips, trivet surfaces. Participants announce “walking with pan.” Ensure route is clear, walk slowly. Only adults carry heavier items; children handled with supervision.
- Unstable seating logs or benches — Use stable seating fixed on flat ground. Check logs regularly for rot or wobble. Seat adults first then children. Instruct not to lean over fire.
- Insects or wildlife disturbance — Prior check area for nests or insects. Be alert to wildlife noise. Children avoid site disturbance. First aid allergy plans in place.
- Residual heat and re-ignition risk — Fully douse embers and ash with water, stirring to expose hotspots. Spread ashes thinly to speed cooling and supervise until cold. Carry out final safety checks, confirming no residual heat before leaving the site. Keep extinguishing equipment on hand until the fire area is safe.
- Fire growth and spread risks — Keep fires small by controlling fuel amounts and removing excess as needed. Position fires in cleared areas away from vegetation and structures, with overhanging branches removed or avoided. Continuously monitor weather conditions, including wind speed and fire danger ratings, and cancel or relocate sessions in high-risk conditions such as strong winds or drought. Keep extinguishing equipment ready at all times.
How to use this template
- Click Create Risk Assessment: Open Fire to begin immediately.
- Review suggested hazards and measures, then tailor as needed.
- Download your PDF. Create a free account if you want to save.
FAQ
Do I need an account to start?
You can begin filling out your risk assessment straight away. Create a free account if you want to save your work.
Can I download a PDF?
Yes - download a clean, professional PDF at the end.
Can I edit a saved assessment?
Yes, personal and unlimited members can edit saved assessments from the account dashboard.