An Introduction to Fire – Forest School Lesson Plan & Fire Safety Resources

11 pages of outdoor learning activities, illustrated worksheets and fire-safety resources!

🔥 Introduce children to the fascinating world of fire through carefully supervised outdoor learning!

Fire is one of the most exciting and memorable elements of outdoor learning. Watching flames, noticing changes in heat and steam, and discovering what fire needs to burn can spark wonderful conversations and curiosity.

Our Introduction to Fire Outdoor Learning Pack provides a structured yet flexible introduction to fire awareness, helping practitioners teach children about the fire triangle, safe boundaries and responsible behaviour around hot equipment.

Featuring a Kelly Kettle (Storm Kettle) as the focus of an optional adult-led demonstration, this resource encourages observation, scientific thinking, communication and respect for fire.

Perfect for experienced Forest School practitioners and outdoor learning leaders working with Reception and Key Stage 1 children.

What's included?

🔥 Complete introductory lesson plan – Guidance for planning and delivering an engaging 60–90-minute fire-awareness session.

🔺 The Fire Triangle – Child-friendly activities introducing the three things fire needs: heat, fuel and oxygen.

✏️ Two illustrated children's worksheets – The Fire Triangle and I Know How to Stay Safe, featuring simple visual activities suitable for younger learners.

🛡️ Illustrated fire-safety poster – Six easy-to-understand rules to reinforce boundaries and safe behaviour outdoors.

🫖 Kelly Kettle observation guidance – Ideas for helping children observe a carefully managed adult demonstration and discuss what they notice.

🌿 Safety and preparation guidance – Considerations covering staffing, equipment, safe observation areas, weather conditions and emergency arrangements.

💬 Teaching questions and discussion prompts – Encourage curiosity, new vocabulary and early scientific understanding.

🌱 Age adaptations and alternative activities – Suggestions for Nursery, Reception and Years 1–2, including a completely no-fire learning option.

What will children learn?

This resource provides opportunities to develop:

• Understanding of heat, fuel and oxygen

• Awareness of fire safety and personal boundaries

• Scientific observation and curiosity

• Communication, vocabulary and reasoning

• Confidence, responsibility and self-control

• Listening skills and following safety instructions

• Respect for potentially hazardous environments

A memorable outdoor learning experience!

Children begin by exploring the fire triangle and practising essential safety routines.

Where conditions, training and setting policies permit, a competent adult may then demonstrate a Kelly Kettle while children observe from a separate, safely supervised area.

Children can discuss what they notice, describe changes and reflect on the importance of respecting heat and hot equipment.

Live fire is entirely optional. The lesson also includes meaningful learning opportunities using pictures, cold equipment and discussion.

This resource is particularly suitable for introducing fire awareness later in a series of outdoor learning sessions, once children are familiar with routines, boundaries and expectations.

It also provides a useful foundation for further learning about fire and outdoor cooking.

Suitable for

Reception to Year 2: Fire-awareness activities with the option of a carefully controlled, adult-led demonstration.

Nursery: Adapted no-fire activities introducing safe boundaries, warm and cold, and asking adults for help.

Suggested session length: 60–90 minutes, flexible.

Format: 11-page digital PDF, including illustrated worksheets and a printable fire-safety poster.

Part of the Mr Early Years Outdoor Learning / Forest School collection.

Digital download – no physical equipment is included.

Important safety information: This resource is intended to support appropriately trained and competent practitioners. It is not a fire-lighting instruction manual. Only suitably trained adults should handle fire, fuel, Kelly Kettles, boiling water or hot equipment. Any live demonstration requires appropriate staffing, site-specific risk assessments, permissions and compliance with the equipment manufacturer's instructions and local requirements. Children must remain away from the kettle while it is in use.