How to Set Up a Bonfire

Camp fires are built to provide warmth, light and a source for cooking in the outdoors. A bonfire is a larger fire that is designed as a gathering point for larger groups of people or to discourage wild animals from entering a camp. A bonfire requires that materials are gathered and properly positioned so that the fire is capable of reaching the desired size.

Things You'll Need

  • Rocks
  • Tinder
  • Kindling
  • Logs
  • Axe
  • Saw
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Instructions

    • 1

      Prepare a location for building a bonfire. Remove leaves, sticks and debris from the area on the ground. Place a ring of rocks around the area on the ground to help contain the fire and create a fire ring.

    • 2

      Place two logs in the center of the fire ring. Choose two logs that are two to three feet long and at least six to eight inches in diameter. Position the logs side by side and one foot apart.

    • 3

      Position a tinder bundle between the two logs. Use wood shavings, dry grass, and small twigs as tinder. Place slightly larger tinder on top of the bundle and lean the larger tinder against the logs to allow good air flow.

    • 4

      Place larger kindling across the larger logs so it crosses over the top of the tinder. Stack two or three layers of progressively larger diameter kindling on the logs above the tinder.

    • 5

      Stack three- to four-foot-long lengths of wood in a teepee shape around the logs, tinder and kindling. Use one- to two-inch diameter branches and limbs first, then add progressively larger diameter limbs and branches to construct the teepee shape. Leave an access point to the inner kindling between the logs for lighting.

    • 6

      Add four-inch and larger lengths of wood around the teepee shape as a final layer of fuel for the bonfire. Position additional large pieces of wood nearby to add to the fire as the fuel is consumed.