How to organise a fire-making workshop

A fire-making workshop needs more than fire pits and wood. Start by confirming the venue, local fire rules and participant numbers, then work through registration, dietary information and equipment checks. Give attendees practical instructions before they arrive, especially about clothing, gloves and weather conditions. On the day, separate the working area from seating and food, keep extinguishing equipment visible, and allow enough time for a safety briefing before anyone handles tools or fire.

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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
Send invitations
2
Process registrations
3
Collect dietary requirements
4
Check fire regulations
5
Reserve venue
6
Send participant information
7
Check material stock
2 people
8
Order missing supplies
9
Do the shopping
2 people
10
Collect firewood
3 people
11
Store firewood dry
2 people
12
Check fire-starting materials
2 people
13
Check safety equipment
2 people
14
Print participant list
15
Check the weather forecast
16
Pack materials
3 people

Event

17
Set up fire pits
3 people
18
Set up tables and seating
3 people
19
Set up party tents
4 people
20
Place fire pits safely
3 people
21
Set out water and fire extinguishing equipment
2 people
22
Lay out tools
2 people
23
Hang lighting
2 people
24
Set up the food and drink area
2 people
25
Prepare snacks and drinks
3 people
26
Receive participants
2 people
27
Give safety instructions
2 people
28
Explain fire-starting materials
2 people
29
Prepare tinder
3 people
30
Supervise fire starting
4 people
31
Add Wood Safely
3 people
32
Prepare a meal over the fire
4 people
33
Serve the meal
3 people
34
Refill drinks
2 people
35
Supervise marshmallow roasting
3 people
36
Extinguish Fires Safely
3 people
37
See participants off safely
2 people

Aftercare

38
Fully extinguish the fire pits
3 people
39
Collect waste
3 people
40
Wash dishes
2 people
41
Clear tables and chairs
3 people
42
Take down party tents
4 people
43
Clean the venue
4 people
44
Dry and clean materials
3 people
45
Return materials
2 people
46
Return borrowed items
2 people
47
Store leftover groceries

What to bring

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

Furniture

Foldable tablesqty 6
Beer tablesqty 4
Benchesqty 8
Folding chairsqty 24
Party tentsqty 2

Equipment

Fire pitsqty 4
Cooking racksqty 4
Coolersqty 3
Jerry cansqty 4
Flashlightsqty 8
Lanternsqty 6
Extension cordsqty 3

Safety

Fire extinguishersqty 4
Fire blanketsqty 4
Safety gogglesqty 24
Leather work glovesqty 24
First aid kitsqty 2
Barrier tapeqty 2

Tools

Fire samplesqty 12
Hand Axesqty 4
Hand sawsqty 4
Pliersqty 6
Wooden hammersqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 6
Pocket knivesqty 12
Log splittersqty 2
Tinder boxesqty 6

Tableware

Reusable mugsqty 30
Reusable platesqty 30
Cutlery setsqty 30
Disposable cupsqty 30
Serving spoonsqty 6
Thermos flasksqty 4

Kitchen

Cooking potsqty 4
Frying pansqty 4
Oven mittsqty 6
Cutting knivesqty 6
Serving plattersqty 8

Cleaning

Bucketsqty 6
Spongesqty 12
Dish brushesqty 4
Towelsqty 12

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Check fire regulations and the venue before inviting people. Confirm where fire pits may stand, how far they must be from tents and seating, and whether the site has restrictions on open flames.
Set a firm registration deadline at least 7 days before the workshop. Use the final participant list to collect dietary requirements, prepare information for attendees and estimate the number of workstations, seats and snacks.
Inspect fire-starting materials, tools and safety equipment at least 3 days beforehand. Missing items such as tinder, gloves, goggles, first aid supplies or extinguishers are difficult to replace once the workshop has started.
Keep firewood dry until the event and check the forecast the day before. Pack covers or party tents for wet conditions, but never place tents, tables or stored wood close enough to catch sparks.
Set up the work area before participants arrive: place fire pits safely, mark boundaries with barrier tape, put water and extinguishing equipment within reach, and keep food and drinks away from active fires.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I plan a fire-making workshop?: Start planning at least 4 weeks ahead so you can reserve the venue, check fire regulations and send invitations. Finalise registrations and dietary requirements 7 days before the workshop.
How do I make a fire-making workshop safe?: Use a defined fire area, keep water, fire extinguishers, fire blankets and first aid kits visible, and provide safety goggles and leather work gloves. Schedule a 10- to 15-minute safety briefing before participants use tools or approach a fire pit.
How much firewood do I need for a fire-making workshop?: Estimate the amount by the number of fire pits and the planned burning time rather than by participant count alone. Check the stock 3 days before the event, collect or order missing wood, and store it under cover so it stays dry.
What should participants wear to a fire-making workshop?: Tell them at least 3 days in advance to wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes and clothing made from natural fibres, and to avoid loose sleeves or highly flammable fabrics. Include the instruction in the participant information so nobody arrives unprepared.

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