FIRE SAFETY

This Merit Badge was formerly named FIREMANSHIP.
The name was changed in 1995.

These were the REQUIREMENTS before the REVISIONS which were made when a new merit badge pamphlet was issued during 2004 after the 2004 edition of BOY SCOUT REQUIREMENTS was issued.

To see the current requirements Click Here

1. Explain the chemistry and physics of fire. Name the parts of the fire tetrahedron. Explain why vapors are important to the burning process. Name the products of combustion. Give an example of how fire grows and what happens.
2. Name the most frequent causes of fire in the home and give examples of ways it can be prevented.
3. List the actions that cause seasonal fires and explain how these fires can be prevented.
4. List common circumstances that cause holiday-related fires and explain how these fires can be prevented.
5. List the most frequent causes of burn injuries.
6. Conduct a home safety survey with the help of an adult, then do the following:
   1. Draw a home fire escape plan, create a home fire drill schedule, and conduct a home fire drill.
   2. Test a smoke alarm and demonstrate regular maintenance of a smoke alarm.
   3. Explain what to do when you smell gas and when you smell smoke.
   4. Explain how you could call in a fire alarm.
   5. Explain what fire safety equipment may be found in public buildings.
   6. Explain who should use fire extinguishers and when they can be used.
7. Do the following:
   1. Demonstrate lighting a match safely.
   2. Demonstrate the safe way to start a charcoal fire.
   3. Demonstrate how to extinguish a grease pan fire.
   4. Demonstrate the safe way to melt wax.
8. Explain the difference between combustible and noncombustible liquids and between combustible and noncombustible fabrics.
9. Do the following:
   1. Demonstrate the safe way to fuel a lawnmower.
   2. Demonstrate the safe way to fuel auxiliary heating appliances.
   3. Demonstrate the technique of stop, drop, roll, and cool. Explain how burn injuries can be prevented.
10. Do the following:
    1. Explain the costs of outdoor and wildland fires and how to prevent them.
    2. Demonstrate setting up and putting out a cooking fire.
    3. Demonstrate using a camp-stove and lantern.
    4. Explain how to set up a campsite safe from a fire.
11. Visit a fire station. Identify the types of fire trucks. Find out about the fire prevention activities in your community.

BSA Advancement ID#: 50
Pamphlet Revision Date: 1995 (2004)
Requirements last updated in 1995 (2004)