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Step 1
Assign just one person to take care of the bonfire. The more people involved, the bigger the chance that something could go wrong, so appoint the building, lighting, tearing down and clearing up to just one trustworthy person.
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Step 2
Locate a good site no less than 30 ft. from any buildings, roads, railroads or waterways. Also be sure there are no overhead power lines or dangerous substances in the area.
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Step 3
Test the wind before committing to a location. Make sure the bonfire is located downwind from any roadways, buildings and spectators that can be harmed or obscured by smoke or ashes.
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Step 4
Construct the bonfire with large, heavy items as the foundation and lighter, smaller items on the outer sections. This will ensure that the fire will collapse inward as it burns.
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Step 5
Build the bonfire and perform all your safety checks in daylight.
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Step 6
Set off any fireworks prior to lighting the bonfire since stray sparks from the fire could accidentally set the fireworks off.
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Step 7
Check the bonfire carefully to make sure no small animals or children have crawled into the bonfire.
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Step 8
Use crumpled paper in three locations, evenly spaced throughout the bonfire as ignition spots. This will help the bonfire catch and burn evenly.
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Step 9
Set off any fireworks prior to lighting the bonfire since stray sparks from the fire could accidentally set the fireworks off.
