The Finer Points Of A Good Bonfire

I love a good bonfire. They remind me of high school football days long since gone by. As an adult they bring back memories of good friends, adult beverages and getting rid of that big ugly pile of brush that’s been sitting around since fall. With the new snow comes the desire to have a bonfire, social distancing of course.

There is some finesse, and several valuable tips for making a bonfire.

First of all, check with your local town government to see if a permit is required and acquire what is necessary.
Next, check the weather! It should go without saying do not have a bonfire when it is windy!
Find a safe location away from structures and overhanging trees. It’s best to have your bonfire sit on something that is non flammable such as dirt.

Depending on the size of the bonfire you are planning on, most bonfires are set in a teepee shape. This allows air to circulate around the wood.

If you’re burning a brush pile, well, that's not going to work so, structure really won’t matter.

Do not, and I mean DO NOT dump gasoline, kerosene or any other flammable liquid on a lit bonfire. Bad things can and will happen.
Always make sure your fire is completely extinguished after the festivities have ended.
Use a rake to stir around the embers to search for remaining stragglers that need to be doused.

Interestingly enough, I have recently discovered the meaning of the word bonfire. It was not what I believed it to be for sure. The word comes from bone fire! Apparently animal bones were burned to ward off evil spirits in the old, old days.

I think I prefer to stick to good friends, warm fire and some food and beverages.