Bushfires are a natural part of the Australian landscape, but for young children they can also be confusing, worrying, or emotionally charged—especially when smoke, sirens, or community conversations become part of their daily experience. In early childhood settings, educators play a vital role in helping children make sense of what they see and hear in a way that is safe, honest, and developmentally appropriate.
Talking about bushfires with young children is not about giving detailed information or exposing them to frightening images. Instead, it is about offering calm explanations, reassuring routines, and opportunities for children to express their thoughts through play, art, and conversation. When approached thoughtfully, these discussions can strengthen children’s sense of safety, build resilience, and deepen their understanding of nature, community helpers, and environmental regrowth.
1. Start With What Children Already Know
Children often sense more than adults realise smoke in the air, changes in routine, worried adults, or news overheard.
Use gentle prompts:
- “I noticed the sky looked a bit smoky today. What did you see?”
- “Sometimes fires happen in nature. What do you know about them?”
- “How did you feel when you saw the fire trucks?”
This lets you correct misconceptions without overwhelming them.
2. Keep Explanations Simple, True, and Non‑Scary
Young children don’t need the full scale of the emergency — just the essentials.
You might say:
- “Bushfires are big fires that happen in nature.”
- “Grown‑ups have special jobs to keep people safe.”
- “If there is a fire, we follow our safety plan together.”
Avoid:
- Graphic details
- Discussing loss of life
- Showing distressing images
- Overloading them with information
3. Emphasise Safety and Helpers
Children feel secure when they know:
- There are people whose job is to protect them
- Their educators know what to do
- There is a plan
Use empowering language:
- “Firefighters are trained to help.”
- “We practise fire drills so everyone knows what to do.”
- “Your job is to stay close to your grown‑ups.”
This builds resilience rather than fear.
4. Use Play-Based, Symbolic Learning
Children process big topics through play. Offer materials that let them explore safely:
Dramatic Play
- Fire station setup
- Firefighter hats, hoses (tubes), walkie‑talkies
- Soft toys to “rescue”
Small World Play
- Toy trees, animals, fire trucks
- Scenarios about helping, regrowth, and safety
Art
- Painting the colours of fire and smoke
- Drawing firefighters
- Collage of green regrowth after fire
Books (non‑graphic, age‑appropriate)
Choose stories that focus on:
- Fire safety
- Community helpers
- Regrowth and healing
5. Talk About Regeneration and Hope
Bushfires are frightening, but they’re also part of Australia’s ecological story.
You can say:
- “After a fire, the land rests and new plants grow.”
- “Animals find safe places, and people help them.”
- “Nature is strong and knows how to heal.”
This helps children move from fear to understanding.
6. Support Emotional Expression
Children may show worry through behaviour rather than words.
Offer:
- Drawing feelings
- Storytelling circles
- Calm breathing
- A “feelings basket” with puppets or stones
Use validating language:
- “It’s okay to feel unsure.”
- “Thank you for telling me.”
- “We can talk about this together.”
7. Partner With Families
Families may have their own trauma or cultural perspectives around fire.
Share:
- What you’re discussing
- How you’re supporting children
- Ways they can continue calm conversations at home
Invite families to contribute:
- Stories of community helpers
- Cultural knowledge about fire and land care
- Photos of regrowth in their area
8. Documenting the Learning (EYLF-aligned)
You can link to:
- Outcome 1.1: Children feel safe, secure, and supported
- Outcome 2.4: Children become socially responsible and show respect for the environment
- Outcome 3.2: Children take increasing responsibility for their own health and safety
- Outcome 5.1: Children interact verbally and nonverbally with others for a range of purposes
Documentation prompts:
- “What did the children wonder about bushfires?”
- “How did children express their understanding through play?”
- “What safety knowledge did children demonstrate?”
- “How did children show empathy for people, animals, or the environment?”
NSW Fire Rescue
Children have limited capacity to understand the risks and consequences of fire and to react promptly and rationally to fire. This lack of knowledge and awareness puts children at risk of misusing fire or being harmed by fire.
Fire safety education for children is the first line of defense against misuse of fire and fire fatalities and injuries. Prevention through education is the single most modifiable strategy that fire services can implement to reduce the risk of fire to children.
Further Reading
Teaching Children About Bushfires
Birdie And The Fire—Free Children's Storybook About Bushfires
Birdie Storybooks On Natural Disasters
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