Kelly Kettle Safety for Scouts

A Kelly Kettle is an excellent way to quickly boil water in the outdoors while teaching Scouts about fire lighting, fuel selection, and safe campcraft.

However, because it combines an open fire with very hot metal and boiling water, i recomend it should be used under close supervision and always in accordance with your group's risk assessment.

Watch: Safe Use of the Kelly Kettle

Check out our video demonstration on how to use a Kelly Kettle safely, featuring tips and techniques for scouts of all ages. Learn to light, maintain, and clean your kettle effectively.

Safely Using Your Kelly Kettle

Lighting a Fire in the Base of a Kelly Kettle.

Setup and Lighting

Clear the area: Choose a flat, open spot away from tents, dry grass, and low tree branches.

Fill with water: Pour water into the main body via the spout until it is nearly full, leaving a small gap below the spout. Never use an empty kettle.

Remove the bung: Never use with a cork or solid bung into the spout. If using with a modern whistle/stopper, i recomend to leave it loose or off so steam escapes freely and steem prevents pressure from spraying boiling water.

Build a small fire: Place tiny twigs, dry leaves, or paper inside the metal fire-base, then light it carefully through the lower draft hole.

Boiling and Feeding the Fire

Place the kettle: Set the almost filled kettle body down securely onto the burning fire-base holding it by the carry handle at 45° and the spout faceing away from you.

Feed from the top: Drop small dry twigs and kindling down through the central chimney hole to keep the fire going. Keep your face and hands clear of the top opening while doing this, get them to tip the wood in from the side.

Supervise actively: Maintain constant supervision. Never leave a burning Kelly Kettle unattended. Keep young people at least a metre back until it is time to pour.

Pouring and Packing Up

Lift safely: Use fire gloves or grip the wire handle strictly horizontal/parallel to the base to lift the kettle straight up with the spout on the spout on the opposite side. Do not lift with the handle up over the hot chimney or you will burn your knuckles. See Video

Pour carefully: Use the handle and the steadying chain/ring to tip and pour the hot water slowly.

Cool completely: Let the metal parts cool down fully before emptying ash or packing the kit away.

Safety Tips for Scouts

One person adds fuel at a time.
Never leave the Kelly Kettle unattended
First aid kit
Keep available:
- First aid kit
- Burns dressings
- Clean running water for cooling burns
- Fire bucket or extinguisher
- Mobile phone or emergency communication

Leader's Checklist

☐ Stable, clear location selected
☐ Water added before lighting
☐ Fire safety equipment available
☐ Safety zone established
☐ Adult supervision throughout
☐ Suitable fuel only used
☐ Safe pouring procedure followed
☐ Fire fully extinguished
☐ Equipment cooled before packing away

Common Questions About Kelly Kettle Safety

Discover answers to frequently asked questions about using a Kelly Kettle safely during your outdoor adventures.

How do I safely light a Kelly Kettle?

To safely light a Kelly Kettle, use dry kindling and natural fire starters. Avoid using flammable liquids, and ensure the kettle is on a stable, non-flammable surface.

What precautions should I take when using a Kelly Kettle?

Always use the kettle in a well-ventilated area, keep it away from flammable materials, and never leave it unattended while in use.

Can I use a Kelly Kettle in windy conditions?

Yes, but take extra care to shield the flame from the wind and ensure the kettle is stable. Use a windbreak if necessary to prevent accidents.

How do I clean a Kelly Kettle after use?

Allow the kettle to cool completely before cleaning. Rinse with warm water and a mild detergent, and dry thoroughly to prevent rust.

What should I do if the Kelly Kettle tips over?

If the kettle tips over, extinguish any remaining flames immediately and allow it to cool before attempting to clean up. Ensure the area is safe and free from potential hazards.

Kelly Kettle Event Ideas

The Kelly Kettle Challenge is an excellent activity for Scout camps, district competitions, leader training days, and bushcraft events. Teams compete to boil a set amount of water in the shortest time while demonstrating safe fire-lighting techniques and good teamwork.

Tomahawk target round on the flow with 6 knives set into a circle to make wood shavings as a first base use the shavings for the Kelly Kettle.