How to organise a fire-making competition

A fire-making competition needs more planning than simply bringing wood and matches together. Start by fixing the rules, judging criteria and time limits, then secure a suitable site and check the local fire-safety requirements. Work backwards from the start time to organise teams, materials, safety equipment, food and judging. The most common problems are unclear boundaries, wet or unsorted firewood, missing participant information and safety equipment that is still packed away when people arrive.

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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

1
Set competition rules
2 people
2
Select the competition area
2 people
3
Arrange venue and permits
4
Check fire safety rules
2 people
5
Send invitations
2 people
6
Process registrations
7
Collect dietary requirements
8
Assign teams and jury
2 people
9
Send participant information
10
Order firewood and kindling
11
Make competition forms
12
Check the shopping list
13
Do the shopping
2 people
14
Check competition materials
2 people
15
Sort wood and kindling materials
3 people
16
Set out safety equipment
2 people
17
Prepare food
3 people
18
Transport materials to the venue
4 people
19
Set up race lanes
3 people
20
Set up tables and chairs
4 people
21
Mark off the safety zone
3 people
22
Set up catering and drinks
3 people
23
Prepare the jury table and forms
2 people
24
Conduct a fire safety check
3 people

Event

25
Receive participants
3 people
26
Check attendance and teams
2 people
27
Give safety instructions
3 people
28
Distribute wood and materials
4 people
29
Coordinate the start of the match
4 people
30
Safely monitor fire activities
6 people
31
Record race results
3 people
32
Refill drinks
2 people
33
Serve snacks and food
4 people
34
Have the fires extinguished under supervision
6 people
35
Announce the winners
2 people
36
Host the after-drinks
3 people
37
Carry out the final fire check
4 people

Aftercare

38
Collect waste and tableware
4 people
39
Clean the grounds thoroughly
5 people
40
Take down tables and chairs
4 people
41
Load materials
4 people
42
Clean the tableware and tools
3 people
43
Take waste to the collection point
2 people
44
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

Write down the full competition format before inviting anyone: team size, building time, allowed materials, judging points and what happens if a fire fails. Send these rules with the participant information so teams do not arrive with different expectations.
Choose the site and confirm permission before announcing the event. Mark each competition lane with enough separation, then leave a clearly visible safety zone around the fires for the jury and spectators.
Order firewood and kindling early enough to sort and check it before the event. Keep the material for each team consistent, and protect it from rain so damp wood does not decide the result.
Prepare the judging forms, team numbers and stopwatches before setup begins. Put the jury table where judges can see every fire, and use a megaphone or clear briefing to start and stop each round.
Set out water containers, buckets, sand, fire extinguishers, fire blankets and an accessible first-aid kit before participants arrive. Do not leave safety checks until the first fire is already burning; confirm the zone, tools and emergency access during setup.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organise a fire-making competition?: Start at least four weeks ahead. Use the first week to secure the site, permission and safety requirements, then send invitations and collect registrations before ordering the right amount of wood and preparing teams.
How much firewood do I need per team?: Set the amount in the written rules and give every team the same measured supply. Sort the wood and kindling before the event, rather than estimating from one large pile on the day.
What safety equipment is needed for a fire-making competition?: Have water containers, buckets, sand, fire extinguishers, fire blankets, an EHBO kit, safety glasses and leather work gloves ready before setup is complete. Also mark the safety zone with barrier tape and keep emergency access clear.
When should participants receive the competition rules?: Send the rules and practical information as soon as registration closes, preferably at least seven days before the competition. Include the arrival time, team allocation, clothing guidance, allowed tools, judging method and what happens in bad weather.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.