How to Make a Bonfire

Building a bonfire may seem as simple as stacking some wood in a pile and lighting it up, or for some crazier folks, torching a couch or other old furniture. However, a bonfire is serious business and can only make for a great party highlight if it is done safely, so that no one gets hurt in the process.

Things You'll Need

• Shovel
• Large rocks or bricks
• Logs
• Kindling material (dry twigs, pine cones, leaves, newspaper)
• Long branches
• Newspaper wick
• Matches

Instructions

1. Dig a circular ditch about 12 inches deep into the ground where you will build your bonfire, as this will help to keep your fire from spreading to unwanted areas. If you cannot dig into the ground, make a circle around your bonfire pit with large rocks or bricks.

2. Place two logs in the center of your bonfire pit, spacing them one to two feet apart, and fill the space between them with dry twigs, pine cones, leaves, newspaper and other fire kindling items. Stack two more logs on top, running them in the opposite directions, and then fill the space between with long tree branches. Cover the branches with more kindling material.

3. Build the center up, alternating the logs and packing with kindling material until you have three or four layers, depending on how large you would like to make your bonfire. When finished, place a single log on the center of the platform.

4. Create a tepee shape around the platform, stacking long branches and logs upright against the inside stack. Work one layer at a time around the platform, but make sure that you leave a small opening one one side where you can place newspaper to light the fire.

5. Twist a piece of newspaper into a long tube and light the end. Stick the newspaper into the door of your bonfire stack and cover the opening with a piece of wood to prevent wind from blowing out the fire. Wait for the flame to catch the kindling material, and watch your bonfire grow.

Tips & Warnings

• Place the smallest pieces of wood on the inside as you build your tepee shape, adding larger logs to the outside. These pieces should be placed at an angle so that the burning wood falls in towards the center of the bonfire instead of out where it can harm people and spread the flames. This tee-pee shape will also help to keep your fire burning longer and larger.

• Keep plenty of water filled buckets nearby in case of emergency, and never leave the bonfire unattended. When ready to put the fire out, cover all burning material with water until there is no trace of hot coal.