{"alias":"contentPage","byline":null,"standfirst":null,"content":{"layouts":[{"type":"sidebar","areas":[{"items":[{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E(Published May 2026)\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cp\u003ELike any other activity, campfires don\u2019t just \u2018happen\u2019 \u2013 they take planning and preparation. Before starting to sing or cook, think about everyone\u2019s safety and comfort around the campfire.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003EPlanning\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAll activities must be safely managed. You must have permission to use the location and approval for the activity.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EYou should have suitable adult \u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/safety/planning-and-assessing-risk/guidance-for-supervision-of-activities/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Guidance for supervision of activities\u0022\u003Esupervision\u003C/a\u003E in place, as well as an \u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022/volunteers/running-your-section/programme-guidance/information-for-volunteers/intouch/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022InTouch\u0022\u003EInTouch\u003C/a\u003E process.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EYou must complete a\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/risk-assessments/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Risk assessments\u0022\u003Erisk assessment\u003C/a\u003E and take appropriate steps to reduce risk.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EYou should use the\u00A0\u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/safe-scouting-cards/safety-checklist-cards/safety-checklists-for-team-members/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Staying Safe - Section Volunteers\u0022\u003Esafety checklist\u003C/a\u003E to help you to plan and risk assess your activity.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EBefore running a campfire, always check the weather forecast.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EAsk people to bring any clothing or items to keep warm that they don\u0027t mind smelling of campfire smoke, such as coats or hats.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EInform parents and carers of any change in venue.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003ERunning campfires safely\u003C/h3\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"accordion","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","showExpand":true,"items":[{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EMake sure the place you choose is safe and accessible for everyone.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ECheck that you\u0027re able and allowed to build fires there.\u0026nbsp;You may need the landowner\u2019s permission.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EThink about location of their fire. Make sure that everyone\u2019s fires have been built outdoors in\u202Fclear, open areas, with plenty of ventilation,\u202Fand away from any areas where people will be sleeping.\u202F\u202FIt could located on specified surface, such as on a designated campfire circle. They could also be well off the ground on a stable platform, such as an altar fire on designated ground slab.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EFires should be kept away from tents or low-hanging trees that could be damaged. There shouldn\u2019t be any dry undergrowth or debris around it. Never have a fire located over damageable surfaces, such as tarmac or grass.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EThe size of the fire must reflect the location. Fires should not be allowed to get too big for the situation. You should think about space, surrounding objects (such as fences, overhead trees and wires, and buildings), the number of people and the time it will need to be safely extinguished.\u00A0\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EAlways check the weather and wind. The wind direction needs to be considered and allowed for.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EResponsible adults should supervise young people, and remind them to remove themselves from the smoke if wind direction changes.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E","label":"Where to locate your fire"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EFires shouldn\u0027t be placed on top of concrete. Concrete has a large amount of air within it. When this is heated, the air expands at a rapid rate, often causing enough pressure to cause the concrete to explode.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Danger- Fires on top of Concrete"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EAppropriate footwear and clothing to be worn around fires. People should avoid loose clothing, so tuck in Scout neckers and watch out for open coats, sleeves and scarves.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EEveryone should tie back loose hair and wear closed toe shoes.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ERemember to never reach over fires or flames.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E","label":"What to wear"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EPlanning ahead is important to make sure that there\u2019s enough wood collected, including kindling, and that it\u2019s kept dry so that it\u2019ll light easily.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ERemind everyone to take care when collecting, cutting or snapping wood.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EParticipants should wear appropriate gloves and care must be taken when standing on wood, so strong foot wear must be worn.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EOnly use natural wood for cooking. Avoid treated wood, such as some pallets or old fencing and furniture.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ERemember to check the wood from the wood pile before the meeting and decide whether it\u2019s suitable, as well as checking for animal nests.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ERemember, no-one should carry larger or awkward items on their own, where possible.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E","label":"Collecting firewood"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EKeep any woodpiles a safe distance from the fire to avoid tripping on it and falling into the fire.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EYoung people must be supervised around wood piles and instructed not to climb over them.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E","label":"Storing firewood"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EFires should never be left unattended and must always be supervised by a responsible adult.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EAfter they\u2019ve been used, fires need to be left in a safe manner, doused with water to prevent stray sparks.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E","label":"Supervising the fire"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ETo start a fire, only use kindling or bought fire lighters.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ENever use accelerants on the fire (any substance or mixture that accelerates or speeds the development and escalation of fire) \u2013 such as petrol, lighter fuel and other spirits.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EA different responsible adult to the one leading the campfire should build and restock the fire. There should be a bucket of water and a spade handy at all times, for emergencies.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E","label":"Lighting a fire"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EConsider where everyone is sitting or standing in relation to the fire, including the song leader. Make sure to keep a safe distance, especially during action songs. You may wish to sit in a horseshoe, rather than a circle.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EPresentations or investitures during campfires can be very special. Always make sure you have enough space by the fire to do this safely. Seat those taking part close to the front to avoid having to clamber through the circle.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EThink about everyone\u2019s safety and comfort around the campfire. Around the fire, you should have a mix of adults and young people seated together, so that there\u2019s a responsible person to manage the blaze.\u00A0\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ESeating should be dry and stable. If possible use chairs, logs, blankets or groundsheets if the ground is wet.\u00A0\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ELeave a space for the person leading the entertainment to safely stand and move around as necessary.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E","label":"Sitting safely around the fire"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EA campfire leader is a dedicated person to running the activities, entertainment or songs around the campfire.\u00A0\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EA campfire leader must be able to keep everyone engaged and entertained, while staying on top of things and exercising control.\u00A0\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ERemember to leave a space for the person leading the entertainment to safely stand and move around as necessary.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E","label":"Have a campfire leader"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EEveryone should follow the Section or Group code of conduct that sets clear expectations of behaviour.\u00A0\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ERemember to brief young people on their individual responsibility to behave safely around fires, including on the possible dangers of firelighting, never reaching over fires or flames, how to approach fire safely, not to wave sticks around and to give each other space, taking turns if necessary. You may want to show how to safely use equipment before young people use them.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EExplain the rules for firelighting including: no picking up burning wood, no throwing objects onto the fire, hold wood by one end and lower it onto the fire with your fingers near the ground.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ENo-one sitting around the fire should throw anything into the flames \u2013 tell the groups this when you arrive. Never add other items to the fire, such as rubbish.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EIn the event that someone starts to misbehave, the campfire leader should be ready to act. They should tell the individual to stop or ask another adult to tell them to stop. It may be necessary to stop any songs or activities.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ERemind everyone that they should be quiet if the campfire leader is explaining songs or actions.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ECampfires should be fun for everyone. Having fun at someone else\u2019s expense might mean that one person doesn\u2019t enjoy the experience as much as another, so check over the planned songs, sketches or stunts beforehand, to check that everyone gets the joke and no-one is offended.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E","label":"Behaviour around a campfire"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EAlways supervise young people around the fire. There should be at least one adult or Young Leader with each group.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EAlways have a mix of adults and young people seated together.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EAlways make sure there\u2019s a responsible adult to manage the fire. This should be separate to people who are supervising young people or leading the campfire activities.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EYou must consider the most appropriate size of group in relation to the fire in use.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EYou can restrict access to the fire by using a defined area.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EResponsible adults should oversee setting up any equipment used for the activity and moving it to where it\u2019s needed, especially on uneven ground outdoors.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E","label":"Supervision of young people"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EMake sure you have all the ingredients ready. Remember to check your ingredients against any allergy or dietary requirements to ensure everyone can enjoy the recipe. This may mean using alternative ingredients.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EWash hands regularly at the start and throughout this activity.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EFollow our\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/safety/safe-camping-residentials-and-outdoor-skills/guidance-for-food-safety/\u0022 title=\u0022Guidance for food safety\u0022\u003Efood preparation guidelines\u003C/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;to avoid the cross contamination of different, or raw and cooked, foods.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ECare should be taken to make sure equipment has fully cooled before moving it at the end of the session.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EYoung people should be briefed and reminded on safety around hot food, including not to touch it and allow it to cool before eating.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EUse thick, heat-resistant gloves, where appropriate, and never reach over fires or flames.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E","label":"Cooking food"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EMake sure there is an appropriate first aid kit available, including for burns, and that adult volunteer learning is up-to-date.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ERemember to never reach over fires or flames.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E","label":"First aid"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EMake sure fire fighting equipment is available and make sure that cold water is available nearby. There should be at least a bucket of water, although running water is best if possible. Other options include appropriate fire extinguishers, fire buckets, spades, and beaters.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ECare should be taken to make sure equipment has fully cooled before moving it at the end of the session.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EWhen cooled, you could collect the cool ashes of the previous night\u2019s campfire and save them to add, symbolically, to the start of your next fire. You\u2019ll be taking with you the fun and friendship of each fire, and the people you met and sang with. Perhaps you can save ashes from one year\u2019s camp to put on the following year\u2019s one.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cspan style=\u0022text-decoration: underline;\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EA responsible adult \u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/span\u003Eshould always follow our guidance to extinguish a fire:\n\u003Col\u003E\n\u003Cli class=\u0022Paragraph SCXW45060286 BCX8\u0022\u003EOnce everyone has finished using the fire, don\u2019t add any more wood. The fire will die down, but make sure it still always has adult supervision.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli class=\u0022Paragraph SCXW45060286 BCX8\u0022\u003EUse a new, cold stick (not one that\u2019s been in the fire) to carefully spread out the wood and embers, so they cool down faster.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli class=\u0022Paragraph SCXW45060286 BCX8\u0022\u003ECarefully and gently pour water over the smouldering wood and ashes to make sure they\u2019re fully extinguished. They should use the stick to mix the water through the ashes.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli class=\u0022Paragraph SCXW45060286 BCX8\u0022\u003EMake sure the fires are safely extinguished before leaving the site and that everyone has left no trace.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ol\u003E\n\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E","label":"Extinguishing the fire"}]}]},{"items":[{"type":"Promo","cta":"Read the guidance for supervision","body":"\u003Cp\u003EFind suggestions of how to manage activities in order to reduce the potential for incidents and injuries.\u003C/p\u003E","link":{"name":"Guidance for supervision of activities","id":null,"url":"/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/safety/planning-and-assessing-risk/guidance-for-supervision-of-activities/","newWindow":false,"target":null},"colour":"#ffe627","title":"Guidance for supervision of activities","image":null,"imageFocus":"","imageId":0,"imageKey":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","imageCrop":"","gridType":"card","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"type":"Promo","cta":"Read our risk assessment guidance","body":"\u003Cp\u003EEmbedding risk assessment within the planning process allows us to deliver safe, enjoyable and exciting programmes for young people.\u003C/p\u003E","link":{"name":"Risk assessments","id":null,"url":"/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/risk-assessments/","newWindow":false,"target":null},"colour":"#ffe627","title":"Risk assessments","image":null,"imageFocus":"","imageId":0,"imageKey":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","imageCrop":"","gridType":"card","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"type":"Promo","cta":"Read the safety checklist","body":"\u003Cp\u003EOur safety checklist helps you make sure that activities are conducted in a safe manner.\u003C/p\u003E","link":{"name":"Staying Safe - Section Volunteers","id":null,"url":"/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/safe-scouting-cards/safety-checklist-cards/safety-checklists-for-team-members/","newWindow":false,"target":null},"colour":"#ffe627","title":"Staying safe","image":null,"imageFocus":"","imageId":0,"imageKey":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","imageCrop":"","gridType":"card","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"type":"Image top","cta":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003ELearn the classic campfire songs - or find some new ones to add to your sing-a-long!\u003C/p\u003E","link":{"name":"Campfire songs","id":null,"url":"/volunteers/running-your-section/planning-your-programme/campfire-songs/","newWindow":false,"target":null},"colour":"#f1f1f1","title":"Campfire songs","image":"/media/21191/a-scout-looking-at-a-toasted-marshmallow-with-a-campfire-in-the-background.jpg?width=800\u0026height=450\u0026v=1dae4e13e8aa8a0","imageFocus":"","imageId":37823,"imageKey":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","imageCrop":"","gridType":"card","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""}]}],"config":null}]},"searchDescription":"Find out how to safely manage a campfire. 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