Day Three

Theories of learning relating to Forest School

Safe fire lighting



Fagley Forest School Campfire Safety Procedure


Campfires and the use of storm kettles are an integral part of Forest School. Fagley Primary aims to ensure that children and adults participating in Forest School sessions involving fires and/or storm kettles do so with safely.


Location of fires:
• Only previously agreed areas will be used for campfires (which should be free from tree roots and overhanging branches).
• Campfire areas will be enclosed by logs or large stones to prevent the spread of fire.
• Any leaf litter or other combustible materials and potential trip hazards should be cleared from the fire circle.
Sitting around the fire:
• Fire area are surrounded by seating logs positioned at least 1.5 metres away from the fire pit.
• When the fire pit is in use, children may only enter the fire circle with the permission of the Forest School Leader.
• When granted access to the fire circle, children must walk around the outside of the seating logs and only step over when permitted to by the Forest School Leader.
• Once granted permission to enter the fire circle, children must step over the log seating and sit down with legs drawn in towards the log.
• Once seated in the fire circle, children must remain seated until directed to move by the Forest School Leader.
• Children will be taught to change seats by standing, stepping over the log and walking around the outside of the fire circle.
• Children must not walk across the inside of the fire circle.
• Long sleeves and trousers must be worn (no loose fitting clothes, scarves or flammable materials such as fleece).
• Children are not permitted to throw anything onto the fire.
• Children will be advised how to deal will smoke (turn head to the side and cover face with hand, close eyes for a count of 30 seconds)
• Where there is a clear wind direction, children will be advised not to sit in the line of the smoke.
Lighting the fire:
• The Forest School Leader is responsible for the lighting of fires. Children will only be permitted to light fires if under the direct supervision of the Forest School Leader.
• No flammable liquids are permitted in the lighting or escalating of fires.
• Cotton wool, petroleum jelly and fire steels are the preferred method for lighting fires.
• No plastics are to be burnt
• Children must be supervised on a 1:1 basis when placing fuel on the fire.
• Fuel should be added from the side. Hands must never go over the fire.
Extinguishing the fire:
• All fires must be fully extinguished at the end of the session.
• Water should always be on hand during campfire sessions (for extinguishing fire and immersing burns).
• Whenever possible, fuel on the fire should be burnt down to ash before extinguishing.
• The ashes should be spread out and doused in water working from the outside of the fire inwards until all smoke/steam has ceased. Particular care should be taken to ensure and larger remaining pieces of wood are fully extinguished.
• Once fully cooled, build-ups of ash should be removed from the fire pit and scattered in the composting area.
Using storm kettles:
• Children may only light the fire pan if directed on a 1:1 basis by the F S Leader.
• The storm kettle should be placed on clear flat ground.
• Children must be seated at least 1.5m away from the storm kettle unless being supervised on a 1:1 basis by the Forest School Leader to add fuel to the storm kettle.
• Fuel should burn itself out, otherwise should be doused following procedure outlined above.
• The kettle should NEVER be boiled with the cork in place.

Using a billhook and whittling knife to make a kazoo