Make sure your fire pit is not directly under any tree branches or hanging plants.
This will also help the wood fall in on itself rather than falling outward. Be sure to remove any leftover ash from previous fires. This will provide your bonfire with a clear base from which to start.
It’s a good idea to have both tinder and kindling when making a fire, because they help to get the fire started, to help inflame the actual logs. It is very important that the tinder and kindling materials are dry when creating a bonfire. Wet materials most likely not burn. If the outside environment you’re building your bonfire in is wet and damp, you might want to consider bringing your own tinder and kindling. Things like balled up newspaper, ripped pieces of cardboard, and dryer lint are all good alternatives for tinder. [2] X Research source
Burning wet wood will only result in creating a lot of smoke as the wood burns. Collect about 20-25 pieces of firewood. This is only so you are prepared to add more wood and keep the fire going, if need be. [3] X Research source
There are many ways to construct a fire (teepee style, lean-to style, log cabin style, top-down style, crossfire style, etc. ), depending on the intended use of the fire. Since a bonfire is different from a campfire in that it meant to burn for a limited amount of time and is usually for celebratory gatherings (rather than cooking or burning over a long period of time to provide heat), a bonfire is typically assembled in a large, teepee style. [5] X Research source Be sure to leave a space in the teepee on the side the wind is blowing. This will allow you an entrance space to light the inner tinder, while also allowing blowing wind to further increase the burning fire. [6] X Research source
As the fire burns and the wood starts to disintegrate, add bigger pieces of firewood to the fire. Be mindful to build upon and maintain the teepee shape, and not get any body parts too close to the flames.
