Bringing Fire into Early Childhood: How to Safely Have a Fire with Preschoolers
There’s something almost sacred about a fire. The way the flames flicker and dance, the way warmth spreads through the air, the way voices naturally soften as we gather close. Fire is one of the most ancient ways humans have connected—with each other, with stories, with the land itself. It’s mesmerizing and powerful, a force to be respected and understood.
For many parents and educators, the thought of introducing a fire to preschoolers feels daunting.
It’s easy to think of fire only as something to be avoided, a danger too great for little hands. But when fire is approached with intention, structure, and clear expectations, it becomes an incredible teaching tool. Fire teaches patience, responsibility, and reverence for the natural world. It invites children into a deeper relationship with nature, one where they are trusted to engage, observe, and learn within safe and thoughtful boundaries.
If you’re wondering how to safely have a fire with preschoolers—whether at home, in a nature preschool, or during a family camping trip—this guide will walk you through everything you need to know. With the right preparation, a fire can become a meaningful experience that nurtures curiosity, confidence, and connection.
Why Fire is an Important Learning Experience for Preschoolers
Fire is often seen as something too risky for young children, but when introduced in a safe and structured way, it can offer some of the most valuable outdoor learning experiences.
Teaches Respect and Responsibility
When children are included in fire-making and fire safety, they begin to understand that fire is not a toy—it’s a tool. Learning how to be around fire responsibly gives them a sense of autonomy and respect for its power. Rather than fearing fire, they learn to engage with it mindfully, developing lifelong skills in safety and awareness.
Encourages Patience and Observation
Fire-building is a slow process. It requires gathering materials, arranging them carefully, and waiting as flames begin to catch. This teaches children to slow down, to notice details, and to appreciate the process rather than rushing toward the result. In a world where instant gratification is the norm, fire reminds us all to be present.
Builds Outdoor Survival and Primitive Skills
Incorporating fire into outdoor learning introduces preschoolers to basic survival skills in a way that feels accessible and empowering. They begin to understand how fire provides warmth, light, and a way to cook food. Even at a young age, they can take small steps toward learning how fire works in a safe and guided environment.
Creates a Sense of Community and Storytelling
There’s a reason humans have gathered around fires for thousands of years. A fire naturally invites storytelling, reflection, and connection. Sitting around a fire with children creates a space for sharing stories, listening to the sounds of nature, and simply being together without distractions.
How to Safely Do a Fire with Preschoolers
Fire and preschoolers can go together, but only when approached with clear structure and preparation. Here’s how to ensure a safe and successful fire experience.
1. Choose a Safe Fire Location
Picking the right location is the first step to fire safety. Always use a designated fire pit, fire ring, or a cleared area free from overhanging branches, dry grass, or other flammable materials. If you’re at a nature preschool or forest school, follow all local fire regulations and safety guidelines.
For first-time fire experiences with preschoolers, a small, controlled fire—such as a fire bowl or an enclosed fire pit—can be a good introduction before moving to an open fire.
2. Teach Fire Safety Before Lighting the Fire
Before striking a match, set clear expectations. Preschoolers thrive on routine and structure, so introducing simple, repeatable fire safety rules helps them understand how to engage safely.
The “Fire Circle” Rule: Establish a visible boundary around the fire using rocks, sticks, or a rope. Children must stay outside the fire circle unless guided by an adult.
Stay Seated When Near the Fire: Fire time is for sitting, watching, and engaging calmly. Running or quick movements near the fire are never allowed.
Only Adults Add Wood to the Fire: Even if children help gather kindling, they hand it to an adult rather than placing it in the fire themselves.
The “One, Two, Three, Back” Rule: If the fire pops or shifts, children practice taking three slow steps backward rather than jumping or running.
Using rhythmic phrases or simple chants can help young children remember these rules. A phrase like, “Fire is strong, but we are wise. Fire is hot, so we stay outside,” repeated regularly makes it easy for preschoolers to absorb safety principles in a natural way.
3. Involve Preschoolers in the Fire-Making Process
Children learn best through hands-on experiences. While they should never handle matches or add logs to the fire, there are many ways they can participate safely.
Gathering materials – Encourage children to collect small sticks, dry leaves, or pinecones for kindling while reinforcing what is safe to use.
Observing how fire needs oxygen – Blow gently on a small flame together to see how oxygen helps fire grow.
Noticing colors and movement – Ask questions like, “What colors do you see? How does the fire move?” to encourage curiosity.
Starting with something small, like a Swedish fire log or even a single candle flame, can be a great way to introduce fire concepts before building a full fire.
4. Keep Fire Extinguishing Tools Readily Available
Before lighting a fire, always have a plan for putting it out quickly if needed.
A full bucket of water or sand should be kept nearby.
A fire blanket is a useful tool for emergencies.
A shovel can help smother embers safely.
When it’s time to put the fire out, model the proper process for children:
Pour water over the embers slowly.
Stir the ashes with a stick to ensure everything is fully extinguished.
If the fire pit is still warm, add more water or dirt until it is cool to the touch.
5. Make It a Meaningful Experience
Fire isn’t just about safety—it’s about connection. Once the fire is built and the children are safely gathered around, use it as an opportunity for deeper learning and reflection.
Tell a Story: Whether it’s a folk tale, a childhood memory, or a simple nature observation, storytelling around a fire creates lasting memories.
Practice Gratitude: Take a moment before putting the fire out to express thanks for the warmth, the light, and the lessons learned.
Cook Something Simple: Toasting bread, warming fruit slices, or roasting marshmallows (if appropriate) can make the experience more tactile and engaging.
If having a real fire isn’t possible, a felt fire set or a candle-lit storytelling circle can be a great way to introduce fire concepts in a controlled way.
Understanding Fire as a Nature-Based Educator
Fire, when introduced safely and intentionally, is one of the most profound learning experiences we can offer preschoolers. It teaches them respect, patience, and responsibility. It invites them to engage with nature in a way that is hands-on, real, and deeply meaningful.
Bringing children back to nature isn’t about avoiding risks—it’s about guiding them in how to engage with the world wisely. When we trust them with knowledge, when we give them the space to explore within safe boundaries, they grow into capable, aware, and confident beings.
So the next time you have the chance, light a small fire.
Not just to warm hands, but to spark a sense of wonder, trust, and belonging in the wild.
