How to Have a Bonfire

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

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

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/27\/Have-a-Bonfire-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Have-a-Bonfire-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/27\/Have-a-Bonfire-Step-1.jpg\/aid157105-v4-728px-Have-a-Bonfire-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    [1] It could be in your backyard or a friend's backyard. It could be on a beach, or at a campsite.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/3d\/Have-a-Bonfire-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Have-a-Bonfire-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/3d\/Have-a-Bonfire-Step-2.jpg\/aid157105-v4-728px-Have-a-Bonfire-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Be sure to have plenty of large pieces of fuel wood, as twigs and leaves burn very quickly. [2]
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/24\/Have-a-Bonfire-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Have-a-Bonfire-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/24\/Have-a-Bonfire-Step-3.jpg\/aid157105-v4-728px-Have-a-Bonfire-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    [3] 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. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/2f\/Have-a-Bonfire-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Have-a-Bonfire-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/2f\/Have-a-Bonfire-Step-4.jpg\/aid157105-v4-728px-Have-a-Bonfire-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This will keep your fire from spreading outside of your pit. [4]
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/78\/Have-a-Bonfire-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Have-a-Bonfire-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/78\/Have-a-Bonfire-Step-5.jpg\/aid157105-v4-728px-Have-a-Bonfire-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Arrange the woods,twigs or wood sticks standing like a pyramid and place the leaves under. [5]
  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/29\/Have-a-Bonfire-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Have-a-Bonfire-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/29\/Have-a-Bonfire-Step-6.jpg\/aid157105-v4-728px-Have-a-Bonfire-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Use any fire igniter such as fire lighters and start with the leaves under.
  7. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/3b\/Have-a-Bonfire-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Have-a-Bonfire-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/3b\/Have-a-Bonfire-Step-7.jpg\/aid157105-v4-728px-Have-a-Bonfire-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":305,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":483,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    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. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/93\/Have-a-Bonfire-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Have-a-Bonfire-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/93\/Have-a-Bonfire-Step-8.jpg\/aid157105-v4-728px-Have-a-Bonfire-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    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. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d8\/Have-a-Bonfire-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Have-a-Bonfire-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d8\/Have-a-Bonfire-Step-9.jpg\/aid157105-v4-728px-Have-a-Bonfire-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Thawed hot dogs are good, as are candies that you and your friends like. Marshmallows are a classic addition to any bonfire.
  10. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b6\/Have-a-Bonfire-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-Have-a-Bonfire-Step-10.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b6\/Have-a-Bonfire-Step-10.jpg\/aid157105-v4-728px-Have-a-Bonfire-Step-10.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    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.
    11. Advertisement


Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • 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.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 3 Helpful 14
  • 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!
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 7 Helpful 18
  • 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.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 15 Helpful 6
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • Bring mosquito spray if you don't want to be eaten alive (beware: mosquito spray is flammable).
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      • If making the bonfire on residential property in an urban area, you need to check with your city to make sure that they allow outdoor fires. They may have restrictions on how large the fire may be.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      • If making the bonfire on a beach or campsite, you need to check with the appropriate authorities to get permission to make your bonfire.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 1
      Show More Tips
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Season Firewood
      How to
      Start a Fire with Sticks
      How to
      Start a Fire With Just a Magnifying Glass
      9 Quick and Easy Ways to Start a Fire by Yourself
      How to
      Make Colored Fire
      A Step-by-Step Guide for Successfully Making a Fire
      How to
      Identify Flint
      How to
      Light a Fire in a Fireplace
      How to
      Start a Bonfire
      How to
      Make Briquettes
      How to
      Light a Gas Fireplace
      How to
      Start a Fire With Different Types of Kindling
      How to
      Create a Strong Burning Charcoal Fire
      How to
      Start a Fire with Wet Wood
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.outsideonline.com/2392462/how-to-build-a-fire
      2. ↑ https://www.mensjournal.com/adventure/how-to-build-a-bonfire-20150629/
      3. ↑ https://www.outsideonline.com/2392462/how-to-build-a-fire
      4. ↑ https://www.mensjournal.com/adventure/how-to-build-a-bonfire-20150629/
      5. ↑ https://www.artofmanliness.com/articles/how-to-build-a-roaring-campfire/

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 335,865 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement