Fire Safety Merit Badge Pamphlet   Fire Safety Merit Badge

Fire Safety


Requirements were REVISED effective January 1, 2005.

To see the changes which were made, Click here.

For the previous requirements, Click here.

For the current requirements, Click here.


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

  1. Do the following:
    1. Demonstrate the technique of stop, drop, roll, and cool. Explain how burn injuries can be prevented.
    2. List the most frequent causes of burn injuries.
  2. 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.
  3. Name the most frequent causes of fire in the home and give examples of ways it can be prevented.
  4. Do the following:
    1. Explain the role of human behavior in the arson problem in this country
    2. List the actions that cause seasonal fires and explain how these fires can be prevented.
  5. List common circumstances that cause holiday-related fires and explain how these fires can be prevented.
  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 would report a fire alarm.
    5. Explain what fire safety equipment can be found in public buildings.
    6. Explain who should use fire extinguishers and when these devices can be used.
    7. Explain how to extinguish a grease pan fire.
    8. Explain what fire safety precautions you should take when you are in a public building.
  7. Do the following:
    1. Demonstrate lighting a match safely.
    2. Demonstrate the safe way to start a charcoal fire.
    3. 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 safety factors, such as proper ventilation, for auxiliary heating devices and the proper way to fuel those devices.
  10. Do the following:
    1. Explain the cost 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 fire.
  11. Visit a fire station. Identify the types of fire trucks. Find out about the fire prevention activities in your community.
  12. Choose a fire safety-related career that interests you and describe the level of education required and responsibilities of a person in that position. Tell why this position interests you.
For Requirement 6 you may wish to use this checklist:
(The checklist is already included in the worksheets below.)
Word Format PDF Format

BSA Advancement ID#: 50
Requirements last updated in: 2005
Pamphlet Publication Number: 00000
Pamphlet Stock (SKU) Number: 33318A
Pamphlet Revision Date: 2004

Worksheets for use in working on these requirements: Format
Word Format PDF Format

Blanks in this worksheets table appear when we do not have a worksheet for the badge that includes these requirements.


Page updated on: May 08, 2022



Scouts Using the Internet Cartoon - Courtesy of Richard Diesslin - Click to See More Cartoons
© 1994-2024 - U.S. Scouting Service Project | Site Map | Disclaimer | Project Team | Contact Us | Privacy Policy

Materials found at U. S. Scouting Service Project, Inc. Websites may be reproduced and used locally by Scouting volunteers for training purposes consistent with the programs of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM) or other Scouting and Guiding Organizations. No material found here may be used or reproduced for electronic redistribution or for commercial or other non-Scouting purposes without the express permission of the U. S. Scouting Service Project, Inc. (USSSP) or other copyright holders. USSSP is not affiliated with BSA or WOSM and does not speak on behalf of BSA or WOSM. Opinions expressed on these web pages are those of the web authors. You can support this website with in two ways: Visit Our Trading Post at www.ScoutingBooks.com or make a donation by clicking the button below.
(U.S. Scouting Service Project Donation)


(Ruth Lyons Memorial Donations)