What you need for a fire-making competition

A fire-making competition needs more than firewood and matches. You need separate equipment for each team, a clearly marked safety area, reliable fire-control supplies and enough seating and catering for participants, judges and helpers. This checklist helps you shop and pack in the right order, so missing gloves, water containers or judging materials do not cause delays on the day. Check local fire-safety requirements before buying fuel or setting up the competition area.

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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
- Firewood - 120 kg
- Firewood - 20 kg
- Wood shavings - 10 bags
- Matches - 10 boxes
- Lemonade syrup - 4 bottles
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 4 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 8 bottles
- Spa Red - 4 bottles
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Milk - 6 liters
- Sugar - 1 kg
- Coffee creamer - 2 tubs
- Hot chocolate - 3 liters
- Sandwich rolls - 60 pieces
- Vegetarian sandwiches - 10 pieces
- Hot dogs - 50 pieces
- Vegetarian hot dogs - 10 pieces
- Tomato soup - 8 liters
- Vegetarian soup - 3 liters
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Paprika chips - 5 bags
- Plain chips - 5 bags
- Snacks - 4 bags
- Apples - 50 pieces
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Sugar waffles - 40 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Cleaning sponges - 2 packs
- Hand soap - 3 bottles
- Paper towels - 4 packs

Tips

Plan one complete tool and safety set per team: include a fire pit or basket, poker, tongs, gloves and safety glasses. Keep at least one spare set available for damaged or forgotten equipment.
Provide multiple ways to control the fire. Have at least two full water containers, two buckets and a shovel ready at the safety area, plus fire extinguishers and fire blankets where the organiser and judges can reach them.
Buy extra fuel rather than relying on an exact estimate. Sort firewood and kindling before the event, and keep the supply dry under a canopy or other weather protection.
Prepare the competition administration in advance: print one score sheet per team, add spare forms, and label team numbers before setting out the judge’s table. Pack stopwatches and a megaphone with spare batteries if needed.
Allow two to three reusable cups per person for the first hour, then add more for the rest of the event. Bring separate supplies for participants, judges and helpers so catering does not run short during the competition.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need to buy for a fire-making competition?: Plan for firewood and kindling, one tool and safety set per team, water containers, buckets, extinguishers, fire blankets and first-aid equipment. You will also need boundary markers, team numbers, score sheets, stopwatches, seating and reusable cups.
How much firewood do I need for a fire-making competition?: The amount depends on the number of teams, the competition time and the fire size allowed by your rules. As a practical starting point, prepare one sorted fuel bundle per team plus at least 25% extra kindling and firewood for failed starts, damp wood and practice.
How many safety items should each team have?: Give every team its own gloves and safety glasses, and provide shared control equipment at the safety zone. Keep at least one spare pair of each type of protective item and position water, buckets and shovels within a few metres of every competition section.
When should I buy and prepare the supplies?: Order firewood and kindling at least 7 days before the event so you can replace wet or unsuitable fuel. Check tools, safety equipment, forms and catering supplies 2 to 3 days beforehand, then sort and transport everything on the day before if possible.

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