FAQs
Build the bonfire at least 10 feet away from any structures and combustible materials. Be mindful of the weather. Never build a bonfire with extremely windy or dry conditions in the forecast. Check with your municipality for any rules or regulations about having bonfires, and if any burn bans are in place.
How do you put out a bonfire safely? ›
First, drown the campfire with water! Next, mix the ashes and embers with soil. Scrape all partially-burned sticks and logs to make sure all the hot embers are off them. Stir the embers after they are covered with water and make sure that everything is wet.
How do you secure a bonfire? ›
Surround your bonfire with bricks, sand, or patio stones.
Setting up your bonfire on a flat surface and using a well-maintained fire barrel can also help keep your bonfire contained. If you'd prefer to use a patio heater, you can follow similar steps to keep it secure.
How do you safely have a fire pit? ›
Use chimneys, outdoor fireplaces and fire pits outdoors at least 10 feet away from your home or anything that can burn. Closely watch children when the fire pit is in use. Turn off or put out fires before you leave the backyard. Store matches and lighters out of children's sight and reach.
How do you host a good bonfire? ›
How To Host A Great Bonfire Party
- Check the weather... And the time of sunset.
- Make food prep a group activity.
- Have enough seating.
- Don't struggle to start the fire.
- Lighting is key.
- More s'mores please.
- Hot dog bar.
- Potlucks are a crowd-pleaser.
Douse the remaining fire with water
While you douse the fire with water, remember to stand a good distance away from the flames. Heat from the fire will turn the water to scalding hot steam that can burn you or anyone else nearby.
What not to put on a bonfire? ›
Bonfire safety tips
- Build your bonfire well clear of buildings, garden sheds, fences and hedges.
- Never use flammable liquids to start a bonfire and never burn dangerous items such as aerosol cans, paint tins, foam furniture or batteries.
- Always keep a bucket of water or a hosepipe nearby in case of fire.
Regularly add more kindling or tinder to help keep your flames burning longer and hotter. Leaning logs against each other in a criss-cross pattern can help keep them upright while creating an efficient airflow through which oxygen can reach deeper into the pile and create a larger flame.
Do and don'ts of fire pit? ›
Don't overload the fire pit with too much wood or burn garbage, treated wood, or other materials that can produce toxic fumes. Don't wear loose-fitting clothing that may more easily catch fire. Don't position the fire pit too close to structures, overhanging trees, or low-hanging branches.
What is the safest type of firepit? ›
A gas-powered fire pit can often be safer and easier to use than a wood-burning fire pit. A gas-powered fire pit can often be safer and easier to use than a wood-burning fire pit.
Propane fire pits are generally considered one of the safest options. Let's take a look at some of the features that make them a good choice.
How do you control a large bonfire? ›
If there is no fire ring provided, there are still steps you can take to contain the campfire.
- Place rocks around the outside.
- Dig a hole six inches deep and two feet across to place the fire and pile the dirt around the fire pit.
- Clear a circle ten feet wide of grass and leaves, making it only dirt around the fire.
How to Prevent a Bonfire from Becoming a Wildfire
- Check the weather. ...
- Make sure the area where you start your bonfire is a legal location. ...
- Keep buckets of water or a garden hose nearby in case the fire begins to spread. ...
- Keep a close eye on the bonfire as well as any children nearby.
“A noncombustible hardscape like bricks, flagstone, or slate pavers, or a material like gravel or shells all work and you can them from your local landscape store.” The main thing is to look for a material that will ensure a fire won't spread throughout your backyard.
Is it safe to let a fire pit burn out? ›
When you're done for the evening, spread out what remains of the wood and ashes and give them a good dousing with water or sand. It's tempting to let a mostly burned down fire burn itself out, but don't. Be safe and ensure it is fully extinguished before leaving it.
Can you just let a fire burn out in the fireplace? ›
One of the most important (and maybe the most obvious) safety precautions you can take when you have fires burning in your fireplace frequently throughout the winter is to completely extinguish the fire before you leave the house or go to bed for the night.
How to put out a fire if you don't have a fire extinguisher? ›
Bicarbonate of soda/salt
Sprinkle a large amount of bicarbonate soda or salt over the fire and this should be enough to extinguish it, or at least give you time to get to your fire extinguisher. Don't use water on these types of fires, as it doesn't mix well with oil and can actually make the fire worse.
