Bonfires are a staple of outdoor gatherings, especially in the fall and spring seasons. They can be a fun way to bring people together. Nonetheless, it is always a good idea to follow some simple rules for staying safe and injury-free.
First, make sure you choose the correct location. The fire should be at least 25 feet away from any building or vehicle. You’ll also want to avoid building the fire near low hanging branches. Basically, keep the fire away from things that can easily catch on fire.
Next, you’ll want to build a proper firepit. Rather than build the fire on top of the ground, dig 12 to 18 inches deep. The width of the pit needs to be 2 feet wider than what the actual fire will be. Use smaller rocks at the bottom of the pit for drainage, and larger rocks around the edge of the pit. The fire shouldn’t ever be above 3 feet high. A small amount of wood and kindling should suffice.
As a safety precaution, keep a couple of 5 gallon buckets of water nearby. Also, never leave flammable materials near the fire. Once you’re finished with the fire, be sure the fire is all the way out. Stir the contents of the pit in order to prevent still burning embers from flying out. Those small burning embers can start a major fire easily.
In the end, common sense is your best line of defense. Never allow children to play near the fire, and always have a first-aid kit handy. Being safe and aware of the situation will make sure your gathering will be fun for all.