Open fire checklist

Weather conditions - Before setting up a fire, check current and forecasted weather conditions: wind strength and directions, possible drizzle or rain. If the current and close future conditions are not ideal, DO NOT start a fire

Smoke inhalation - monitor wind direction changes and prepare dry wood only for fueling the fire to reduce smoke inhalation.

Evacuation routes - Ensure a clearly defined entrance and exit to the area. An emergency exit on the opposite side to the main exit may also be useful

Fire safety - Ensure that the Fire safety kit is within easy reach: First aid kit, fire blanket, fire gloves and fire bucket

Fire safety - Ensure that the fire bucket is filled with Water or sand. If you use sand, ensure that water is also available

Fire safety - Before preparing and lighting a fire, ensure you have enough staff and that someone can be solely responsible for managing the fire

Fire safety - Clear the area of twigs and sticks at least 10 foot around the fire

Fire safety - Brush any leaf, litter or other debris away from where you are about to build the fire. Check that the area is down to bare soil

Fire pit - The fire should be built on a rock base or on bare soil. You may need to dig down slightly to ensure no wood, moss or twigs are in the fire

Fire pit - Fire should be no more then 30cm in diameter

Inform management - Before a fire is being lit ensure that management are aware

Lightning the fire - avoid using fire accelerators (petrol, firelighter liquid) to reduce harmful substances in the air

Hydration - All children should have drinking water available

Re-fueling: use dry wood only, don't burn any rubbish or green garden waste

Re-fueling: don't overload the fire, only maintain the size of the fire bed

Re-fueling: don't throw logs on fire as it may cause flying sparks / burning logs rolling closer to children

Extinguishing the fire: ensure that the fire has been completely extinguished, spread out and every glowing ember is been dampened

Extinguishing the fire: don't dispose of water and sand immediately. Check in an hour the fire is completely extinguished