Heatwave Fire Safety Quiz

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Description

Theme: Could this start a fire? What should we do?

Age:
? Beavers (6–8): Keep explanations simple and use pictures where possible.
? Cubs (8–10½): Encourage discussion and ask them to justify their answers.

Time: 10–15 minutes

Aim
To help young people recognise fire risks during hot weather and understand how they can help protect their community.

Resources

Two signs:
✅ SAFE / TRUE
❌ UNSAFE / FALSE
Scenario cards or PowerPoint slides (optional)
Pictures of parks, campsites or gardens (optional)

Instructions

Place the SAFE/TRUE and UNSAFE/FALSE signs at opposite sides of the room.

Read out a statement.
Everyone moves to the answer they think is correct.
Once everyone has chosen, ask:

"Why did you stand there?"
Allow a few responses before revealing the answer and discussing it.

Quiz Questions
1. "It's been very hot and dry. It's okay to light a campfire in the woods."

❌ False

Discussion

Ask:

Why might this be dangerous?

Explain:
Dry grass, leaves and trees catch fire much more easily.
Fires can spread quickly before anyone can stop them.
During periods of very high fire risk, local authorities may advise against fires or barbecues in certain places.

2. "If you see smoke in a park, you should tell an adult straight away."
✅ True
Discuss:
Don't ignore smoke.
Adults can investigate safely or call for help.
Never try to put out a large fire yourself.

3. "Leaving litter behind can sometimes increase the risk of fires."
✅ True
Ask:
"What kinds of litter?"
Possible answers:
Disposable BBQs
Cigarette ends
Glass bottles
Hot charcoal
Food packaging

Explain:
Litter can create hazards, and hot items like charcoal or cigarettes can directly start fires.
Keeping parks tidy helps keep them safe.

4. "After using a disposable BBQ, it can stay hot for several hours."
✅ True
Ask:
"So what should we do?"
Possible answers:
Let it cool completely.
Follow local guidance for disposal.
Never place it straight into a bin while still hot.

5. "Playing with matches is safe if an adult isn't watching."
❌ False
Simple discussion:
Matches and lighters are tools for adults.
Children should tell an adult if they find them.

6. "A grass fire can spread very quickly on a hot, windy day."
✅ True
Ask:
"What helps fires spread?"
Children may suggest:
Wind
Dry grass
Hot weather

7. "If your football rolls into an area where there's a fire, you should run and get it."
❌ False
Discuss:
Leave it.
Stay well away.
Tell an adult.
People are always more important than possessions.

8. "Water is important during a heatwave because it helps people, animals and plants."
✅ True
Link this back to the hosepipe ban discussion.

9. "If there's a hosepipe ban, people shouldn't use water to put out a fire."
❌ False
This is a great teaching point.
Explain:
"Hosepipe bans are about saving water, but they never stop you using water in an emergency to protect people or put out a fire."

10. "If you see someone using a disposable BBQ in a place where they're not allowed, you should politely tell an adult."
✅ True
Explain:
Don't argue with strangers.
Find a trusted adult or park ranger.

11. "You should never leave a campfire until it is completely out."
✅ True
Explain:
Even if it looks like the flames have gone, hot embers can remain.
These can be blown by the wind and start another fire.

12. "Calling 999 is only for grown-ups."
❌ False
Discuss:
Children can call 999 in a genuine emergency if they know what has happened and where they are.
They should stay calm, answer the operator's questions, and ask an adult for help if one is nearby.

Reflection
Finish by asking:
"What's one thing you could do to help prevent fires this summer?"
Write their ideas on a flip chart or whiteboard.
Examples might include:
Taking litter home.
Never playing with matches.
Telling an adult if they see smoke.
Following signs about BBQs and campfires.
Being careful in parks and woodlands.

Key message: Fire safety isn't just about protecting yourself—it helps protect firefighters, wildlife, homes, and everyone in your community.

Heatwave Fire Safety Quiz

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