Last Updated on 03/2025 by Mom Goes Camping

Fire Safety for Kids: Teaching the Next Generation of Campers

As a camping mom who’s spent countless nights under the stars, I’ve learned that there’s something magical about gathering around a campfire. Those flickering flames create what is known in Australia, as the bush telly! It is the perfect environment for sharing stories, roasting marshmallows, and making memories that will last a lifetime. But as parents, we also know that fire demands respect and careful handling. Fire also lets us cook our favorite dessert.

Teaching our kids about fire safety isn’t just about protection—it’s about empowering them with knowledge and skills they’ll carry throughout their lives. After all, today’s little campers are tomorrow’s outdoor enthusiasts!

Why Teaching Fire Safety Matters

Children are naturally curious about fire. Those dancing flames are mesmerising, and the warmth they provide creates an instinctive attraction. Instead of simply keeping kids away from fires, I’ve found that educating them about fire—in age-appropriate ways—helps satisfy their curiosity while teaching them essential safety principles.

When kids understand the basics of fire behavior, they’re better equipped to respect its power and understand why certain rules exist. This knowledge builds confidence and helps prevent dangerous situations down the road.

Age-Appropriate Fire Safety Lessons

For Toddlers and Preschoolers (Ages 2-5)

For our littlest campers, keep lessons simple and direct:

Teach them that fire is “hot” and can hurt
Establish a clear “fire circle” boundary they must not cross without an adult. We often use our camp chairs as a ‘NO GO ZONE’.
Practice the “stop, drop, and roll” technique through playful demonstrations
Introduce the concept that matches and lighters are “tools for grown-ups only”

At this stage, constant supervision around any fire is absolutely non-negotiable!

Inside the camp chairs is a kids ‘NO GO Zone”.

For Elementary-Aged Kids (Ages 6-9)

As kids grow, so can their understanding:

Explain how fire needs oxygen, fuel, and heat to exist (the fire triangle)
Teach them to recognize fire hazards around the campsite
Show them how to properly extinguish a small flame
Begin discussing what to do in emergency situations
Let them help gather appropriate firewood under supervision

For Preteens and Teens (Ages 10-16)

With older kids, you can introduce more hands-on learning:

Teach proper fire building techniques with close supervision
Demonstrate how to safely light matches and fire starters
Explain how different weather conditions affect fire behavior
Practice emergency response scenarios
Assign specific fire-related responsibilities at the campsite

Our Family’s Fire Safety Rules

Over the years, our family has developed a set of non-negotiable fire safety rules that have served us well:

No unsupervised fire interaction – Even our teenagers know that an adult must be present whenever the fire is lit.
Establish a clear safety perimeter – We set up a visible boundary around our campfire using our camping chairs. You can also use rocks or logs, and everyone knows not to play or run within this area.
Keep firefighting tools handy – We always have a bucket of water, shovel, and fire extinguisher within easy reach.
Proper attire around fire – No loose clothing, dangling strings, or synthetic materials that could melt. Shoes are a must.
The “one-arm rule” – When adding wood to the fire, kids must be able to place (not throw!) the wood without stepping into the safety perimeter.
Never leave a fire unattended – If we’re all heading to the lake or on a hike, the fire gets completely extinguished first.
“Cool to touch” rule – Before leaving a campsite, our fire pit must be cool enough to touch with a bare hand.

Making Learning Fun

Let’s be honest—safety rules aren’t exactly thrilling for most kids. That’s why I try to make fire safety education engaging:

Create a “Junior Fire Ranger” program with badges or certificates for mastering different skills
Tell stories about responsible fire use from different cultures and throughout history
Play fire safety games like “spot the hazard” around the campsite
Let kids help plan and build fire-safe fire pits
Practice building different types of campfires for different purposes

Handling Emergency Situations

Despite our best precautions, emergencies can happen. I make sure my kids know the basics:

How to recognize when a fire is getting out of control
When and how to call for adult help
Basic first aid kit for minor burns
The importance of “stop, drop, and roll” if clothing catches fire
How to safely evacuate a campsite if necessary

We practice these scenarios occasionally, keeping the tone serious but not scary. Preparation builds confidence!

A Lifelong Skill

Teaching fire safety isn’t just about camping trips. The knowledge and respect for fire that kids develop through these outdoor experiences translate to everyday life. Whether they’re helping with the backyard BBQ or understanding why candle safety matters at home, these lessons create a foundation of responsibility.

I’ve found that kids who learn proper fire safety become more confident, careful, and capable in all sorts of situations. Plus, there’s something deeply satisfying about watching your child confidently (and safely) help build the evening campfire that will warm your family’s gathering spot under the stars.

Remember, our goal isn’t to make kids fearful of fire, but to help them understand and respect this powerful element that has brought humanity together for thousands of years. When we teach fire safety with patience and enthusiasm, we’re passing down not just knowledge, but a treasured part of our outdoor heritage.

Happy (and safe) camping!