How to organise an Easter fire safely

An Easter fire needs more planning than a stack of firewood and a few drinks. Start with the permit and local fire-safety rules, then inspect the site, notify nearby residents and confirm who is coming. Arrange firewood, seating, shelter and safety equipment before the final shopping trip. On the day, keep clear routes around the fire, set out firefighting equipment before lighting it and check the forecast again before guests 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
Apply for a permit for the Easter fire
2
Check fire safety rules
2 people
3
Inspect the venue and grounds
2 people
4
Inform nearby residents
2 people
5
Send invitations
2 people
6
Process registrations
7
Collect dietary requirements
8
Arranging firewood delivery
9
Check securing materials
2 people
10
Reserve tables and chairs
11
Check the weather forecast
12
Check the shopping list
2 people
13
Do the shopping
2 people
14
Check firewood
2 people
15
Chill drinks
2 people
16
Prepare snacks
3 people
17
Set out tableware and supplies
2 people
18
Check the venue for safety
3 people
19
Build the bonfire stack safely
6 people
20
Clear emergency exits
2 people
21
Put up barriers
3 people
22
Place warning signs
2 people
23
Set out firefighting equipment
2 people
24
Hang lighting
3 people
25
Set up tents
4 people
26
Set up tables and chairs
4 people
27
Set up the buffet and serving area
3 people
28
Set up the coffee and tea station
2 people
29
Set out drinks and ice
2 people
30
Arrange snacks on platters
3 people
31
Brief volunteers
2 people

Event

32
Track registrations
2 people
33
Welcome guests
3 people
34
Serve snacks
3 people
35
Serve coffee and tea
2 people
36
Refill drinks
2 people
37
Empty trash bins
2 people
38
Guard the bonfire and crowd
4 people
39
Light the fire
3 people
40
Check the safety zone
3 people
41
Inform guests about fire safety
2 people
42
Check residual heat and smoke
3 people
43
Extinguish the fire safely
4 people
44
See guests out
3 people

Aftercare

45
Check the fire remains
3 people
46
Remove ash and wood remnants
4 people
47
Remove barriers
3 people
48
Take down tents
4 people
49
Take down tables and chairs
4 people
50
Collect and sort waste
4 people
51
Wash dishes
3 people
52
Clean the grounds
4 people
53
Inventory materials
2 people
54
Return borrowed materials
2 people
55
Clear away leftover food
2 people
56
Remove decorations
2 people

What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 60
High tablesqty 4
Tableclothsqty 8

Tableware

Platesqty 80
Bowlsqty 40
Mugsqty 60
Glassesqty 100
Cutlery setsqty 80
Serving traysqty 8

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 6
Coolersqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knifeqty 4
Serving tongsqty 6
Scissorsqty 3
Bottle openersqty 4

Safety

Fire extinguishersqty 4
Fire blanketsqty 4
Water barrelsqty 3
Fire hosesqty 2
Work glovesqty 12
Safety gogglesqty 8
First aid kitsqty 2
Crowd control barriersqty 20
Traffic conesqty 20
Warning signsqty 8
Flashlightsqty 8

Equipment

Battery lampsqty 12
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 4
Mobile chargersqty 4

Grounds

Firewood
Wooden polesqty 30
Barrier tapeqty 6

Decorations

Easter flagsqty 12
Buntingqty 8
Lanternsqty 12

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 8
Litter pickersqty 4
Bucketsqty 6
Spongesqty 8
Dish brushesqty 4
Broom setsqty 4
Scoopsqty 4
Wheelbarrowsqty 2

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Start the permit application first: allow at least 4–6 weeks for approval, and check whether the rules require specific distances, supervision or firefighting equipment.
Inspect the grounds before ordering firewood. Mark emergency exits, remove trip hazards and plan barriers and warning signs so guests cannot wander into the fire area.
Confirm attendance and dietary requirements before shopping. Use the final registration count to estimate food, tableware and seating instead of guessing a week in advance.
Arrange the firewood delivery early and check the securing materials when it arrives. Keep the wood dry and away from tents, tables, lighting and the planned escape routes.
Set up safety equipment before building the bonfire stack: place extinguishers, fire blankets, water barrels, hoses, first-aid supplies and protective equipment where the responsible adults can reach them immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How early should I apply for an Easter fire permit?: Start at least 4–6 weeks before the event. Some authorities may require extra information about the site, fire controls or nearby residents, so do not wait until the invitations are sent.
When should I tell nearby residents about an Easter fire?: Notify them at least 1–2 weeks beforehand, once the date, location and expected finish time are fixed. Include practical information about smoke, noise and whom to contact on the day.
How much firewood do I need for an Easter fire?: There is no reliable single amount without knowing the fire size, burn time and local rules. Confirm the permitted stack dimensions first, then order enough dry wood for the planned duration plus a small reserve rather than adding wood without a clear limit.
When should I check the weather for an Easter fire?: Check the forecast 5–7 days before the event and again on the morning of the fire. Strong wind, dry conditions or heavy rain can affect whether the fire may proceed and where tents, signs and barriers can be placed.

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.