How to Have a Bonfire

Last Updated: June 29, 2021

Bonfires provide a great atmosphere for outdoor events such as parties or Halloween celebrations. And as long as they are conducted safely and comply with any local or governmental regulations, they are relatively easy to organize. Just don't forget your marshmallows!

Steps

1
Pick a spot.^{[1]
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Research source} It could be in your backyard or a friend's backyard. It could be on a beach, or at a campsite.
2
Grab a bunch of dry twigs, leaves, sticks and unwanted wood. Be sure to have plenty of large pieces of fuel wood, as twigs and leaves burn very quickly.^{[2]
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3
Dig a shallow pit.^{[3]
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Research source} The pit should be the size of the fire that you want to have; somewhere between 50 centimeter (19.7 in) x 50 centimeter (19.7 in) and 1 meter (3.3 ft) x 1 meter (3.3 ft) is reasonable.
4
Surround the pit with bricks or stones. This will keep your fire from spreading outside of your pit.^{[4]
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5
Place the fuel wood. Arrange the woods,twigs or wood sticks standing like a pyramid and place the leaves under.^{[5]
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6
Ignite the wood. Use any fire igniter such as fire lighters and start with the leaves under.
7
Set up some lawn chairs. Standing around a fire is okay, but people will probably want to sit eventually. It's always good to grab a few picnic rugs, and maybe a day tent to sit in. This is extra good if you're on a beach.
8
Get a cooler. There is nothing better than sipping on an ice cold beer, energy drink, hot chocolate or a can of coke while sitting around a bonfire. The best way to keep the rest of the beer cold is to bring a cooler with plenty of ice in it. This will come in handy later, when you put out the fire.
9
Cook some food in the fire. Thawed hot dogs are good, as are candies that you and your friends like. Marshmallows are a classic addition to any bonfire.
10
Put out the fire. When you're ready to go back in, dump the remaining ice and water from your cooler over the fire, throw sand on it, stomp on it, or otherwise extinguish it completely. By the time you leave, it should be cool to the touch.

Community Q&A

Question

I'm a teen and my parents don't like parties, but I want to have one. How do I convince them?

Community Answer

Try to show them you're responsible by doing your chores and keeping your grades up. Ask them if you could just have a few people over and suggest that one of them supervise so things don't get out of control. Tell them that you'll be respectful of any rules they want to put into place.
Question

How can I make my bonfire more exciting?

Community Answer

Make sure you have plenty of fun snacks and drinks for your guests, like a s'mores station. I would also recommend shopping around for something like colored powder that can be thrown into fires to create fun colors. Something like that could add a lot of entertainment to your bonfire!
Question

How many people should I invite to a bonfire party?

Community Answer

You may invite as many people as you wish and can accommodate.

Warnings

Do not use flammable sprays or liquids to give the fire a "kick start"; it can be unsafe and it often puts them out.

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Spilled alcohol on clothing will ignite.

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Make sure at least 1 person stays sober to keep an eye on the fire and ensure it does not get out of control.

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Fire lighting can be dangerous. Be careful not to get burned.

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Sparks can ignite loose items and clothing.

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