Fire-Making Competition Checklist and Planning Guide

A fire-making competition needs more preparation than just wood and matches. You need clear rules, a suitable site, permission, trained teams and a controlled safety setup before anyone lights a fire. This checklist puts the work in a useful order, from choosing the competition area to receiving participants on the day. It also helps you avoid late jobs such as sorting fuel, preparing judging forms and setting out water, extinguishers and first-aid equipment.

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The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

Set competition rules
2 people
Select the competition area
2 people
Arrange venue and permits
Check fire safety rules
2 people
Send invitations
2 people
Process registrations
Collect dietary requirements
Assign teams and jury
2 people
Send participant information
Order firewood and kindling
Make competition forms
Check the shopping list
Do the shopping
2 people
Check competition materials
2 people
Sort wood and kindling materials
3 people
Set out safety equipment
2 people
Prepare food
3 people
Transport materials to the venue
4 people
Set up race lanes
3 people
Set up tables and chairs
4 people
Mark off the safety zone
3 people
Set up catering and drinks
3 people
Prepare the jury table and forms
2 people
Conduct a fire safety check
3 people

Event

Receive participants
3 people
Check attendance and teams
2 people
Give safety instructions
3 people
Distribute wood and materials
4 people
Coordinate the start of the match
4 people
Safely monitor fire activities
6 people
Record race results
3 people
Refill drinks
2 people
Serve snacks and food
4 people
Have the fires extinguished under supervision
6 people
Announce the winners
2 people
Host the after-drinks
3 people
Carry out the final fire check
4 people

Aftercare

Collect waste and tableware
4 people
Clean the grounds thoroughly
5 people
Take down tables and chairs
4 people
Load materials
4 people
Clean the tableware and tools
3 people
Take waste to the collection point
2 people
Return rented equipment
2 people

What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Foldable tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 50
Picnic benchesqty 6
Party tentsqty 2

Equipment

Megaphonesqty 2
Stopwatchesqty 4
Extension cordsqty 2

Safety

Fire extinguishersqty 4
Water containersqty 8
Bucketsqty 12
Sand pitsqty 6
Fire blanketsqty 4
Safety gogglesqty 30
Leather work glovesqty 30
First aid kit
Barrier tapeqty 4

Tools

Fire pitsqty 10
Axesqty 10
Hand sawsqty 10
Scissorsqty 10
Scoopsqty 6
Pokensqty 10
Pliersqty 10
Measuring tapesqty 4

Sports equipment

Conesqty 30
Marker polesqty 20

Decorations

Directional signsqty 8
Race numbersqty 10
Prizesqty 3

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 60
Platesqty 60
Cutlery setsqty 60
Serving plattersqty 10

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Broomsqty 4
Dustpan and brushqty 4
Washing-up basinsqty 4

Office

Score sheetsqty 30
Pensqty 20
Clipboardsqty 10

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Set the rules before sending invitations. Define team sizes, the time limit, permitted materials and how the jury scores each fire, then include those details in the participant information.
Confirm the site and permission several weeks ahead. Check the fire-safety requirements, access for bringing materials in, and whether the area has enough room for competition spaces, spectators and a clearly marked safety zone.
Sort the wood and lighting materials before event day instead of leaving this until setup. Divide supplies by team and check that fuel, tools and protective equipment are ready for every competition space.
Set up safety equipment where it can be reached without crossing the competition area. Place water containers, buckets, sand, fire extinguishers, fire blankets and the first-aid kit beside the marked safety zone.
Prepare the jury table before participants arrive. Put out numbered forms, stopwatches and pens, brief the jury on the scoring method, and keep a megaphone available for the rules and time announcements.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I plan a fire-making competition?: Start at least 4 to 6 weeks beforehand. Use that time to secure the site and permission, check fire-safety rules, invite participants, process registrations and order wood and kindling.
What safety equipment do I need for a fire-making competition?: Prepare at least one clearly marked safety zone with water containers, buckets, sand, fire extinguishers, fire blankets and an accessible first-aid kit. Provide safety glasses and leather work gloves for participants, and inspect everything before the first fire is lit.
How should I arrange the competition area?: Mark one competition space per team and keep spectators outside the safety zone. Allow enough room for tables, chairs, the jury table and catering, then position safety equipment so it can be reached immediately without moving through another team’s area.
When should I prepare the judging forms and team information?: Create the competition forms and final participant information at least 1 week before the event. Send the schedule, rules, team allocation, permitted materials and arrival instructions once registrations and dietary requirements are confirmed.

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