Step-by-Step Guide to Starting a Bonfire Safely

Quick answer

• Check fire restrictions before you even think about lighting a match. Seriously.
• Know your land manager – USFS, BLM, NPS, state park? They have the rules.
• Prep your fire pit: clear a wide area, dig down if needed.
• Gather dry fuel: tinder, kindling, and larger firewood.
• Have water and a shovel ready. Always.
• Keep it small and manageable. Big fires are hard to control.
• Never leave a fire unattended. Not even for a minute.
• Drown, stir, feel. Make sure it’s dead out.

What to check first (do this before you drive out)

Before you haul your gear and snacks out to your chosen spot, get your ducks in a row. This isn’t rocket science, but it requires a little homework.

• Land manager / legality (who manages the land)

Different agencies manage different lands, and they all have their own rules. Is it National Forest land? Bureau of Land Management (BLM)? A State Park? Or maybe private property? Each has its own set of regulations regarding campfires. A quick check of their website or a phone call can save you a heap of trouble.

• Access/road conditions (2WD vs AWD, clearance, mud/snow)

Getting to your campsite is half the battle sometimes. Are the roads paved, gravel, or just a suggestion? Do you need 4WD, high clearance, or can your trusty sedan make it? Mud, snow, or washouts can turn a fun trip into a tow truck call. Check recent conditions if possible. I learned that lesson the hard way after getting my old Jeep stuck in a mud pit that looked like a puddle.

• Fire restrictions + weather + wind

This is HUGE. Fire restrictions change daily, especially in dry seasons. Check the official website for the area you’re visiting. Don’t rely on old info. Also, look at the weather forecast. High winds and dry conditions are a recipe for disaster. If it’s windy, consider skipping the fire altogether. I’ve seen embers fly for hundreds of yards on a breezy day.

• Water plan + waste plan (Leave No Trace)

You need a reliable way to put your fire out. That means a water source nearby or a lot of water packed in. And a shovel. Always have a shovel. For waste, pack it in, pack it out. That includes all trash and food scraps. Leave No Trace principles are key to keeping these wild places wild.

• Safety (wildlife, distance to help, comms)

Know what critters share the area and how to store your food properly. Also, be aware of how far you are from help. Do you have cell service? A satellite communicator? It’s good to have a plan for emergencies.

Step-by-step (field workflow)

Alright, you’ve done your homework. You’re at the site, ready to go. Here’s how to get that fire crackling, the right way.

1. Choose your spot.

• What to do: Find an existing fire ring if possible. If not, pick a spot at least 15 feet from tents, trees, bushes, and overhanging branches. Look for a bare, level spot.
• What “good” looks like: A designated fire ring is ideal. If not, a cleared patch of dirt or rock, away from anything flammable.
• Common mistake: Using a spot too close to vegetation or under low branches. This is how fires spread accidentally. Always err on the side of caution.

2. Clear the area.

• What to do: Scrape away all flammable material – leaves, pine needles, dry grass – in a 10-foot radius around your chosen spot. Dig down to bare mineral soil if necessary.
• What “good” looks like: A clear, bare circle of dirt or rock, at least 10 feet across.
• Common mistake: Just kicking leaves around. Those dry leaves can smolder and reignite later. You need to get down to dirt.

3. Gather your fuel.

• What to do: Collect three types of fuel: tinder (dry, fluffy stuff like birch bark shavings or cotton balls with petroleum jelly), kindling (pencil-thick dry twigs), and firewood (larger pieces, wrist-thick and up). Gather more than you think you’ll need.
• What “good” looks like: A neat pile of dry tinder, kindling, and firewood within easy reach.
• Common mistake: Bringing wet or green wood. It smokes like crazy and barely burns. Always use dry, dead wood. If you have to buy it, make sure it’s local to prevent the spread of pests.

4. Build your fire structure.

• What to do: Start with a small nest of tinder in the center. Lean kindling around it in a teepee or log cabin shape, leaving space for air.
• What “good” looks like: A stable structure that allows air to circulate freely to the tinder.
• Common mistake: Packing the kindling too tightly. The fire needs oxygen to breathe.

5. Light the tinder.

• What to do: Use a long match or lighter to ignite the tinder at the base. Shield it from wind.
• What “good” looks like: The tinder catches quickly and begins to burn steadily.
• Common mistake: Trying to light the big logs first. You need to build the fire up gradually.

6. Feed the flames.

• What to do: As the kindling catches, gently add more kindling, then progressively larger pieces of firewood. Don’t smother the flames.
• What “good” looks like: A healthy, growing fire with flames reaching for the sky, not just smoke.
• Common mistake: Adding too much wood at once. This can choke the fire and turn it into a smoky mess.

7. Maintain the fire.

• What to do: Keep the fire contained within the ring. Add wood as needed to maintain a steady burn. Keep the surrounding area clear.
• What “good” looks like: A controlled fire that provides warmth and light without spreading.
• Common mistake: Letting the fire get too big or letting sparks fly out of the pit.

8. Prepare for extinguishing.

• What to do: Have your water and shovel ready. As you wind down, stop adding new wood at least 30 minutes before you plan to leave or go to sleep.
• What “good” looks like: A pile of cooling embers, not roaring flames.
• Common mistake: Waiting until the last minute to get your extinguishing tools.

9. Drown the fire.

• What to do: Pour water generously over all embers and coals. Don’t be shy. Douse everything.
• What “good” looks like: Steam rises from the fire pit.
• Common mistake: Just sprinkling a little water. You need to soak it.

10. Stir and feel.

• What to do: Use your shovel to stir the embers and coals, mixing them with the dirt and water. Continue adding water and stirring until there are no more hot spots.
• What “good” looks like: The ashes are cool to the touch.
• Common mistake: Not stirring thoroughly. Hot embers can hide underneath.

11. Check again.

• What to do: Feel the ashes with the back of your hand (carefully!). If it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave. Repeat drowning and stirring until completely cold.
• What “good” looks like: Everything is cold and safe.
• Common mistake: Assuming it’s out after one round of drowning and stirring.

12. Restore the site.

• What to do: If you created a new fire pit, scatter the ashes and naturalize the area as much as possible. Pack out any trash.
• What “good” looks like: The site looks like you were never there, or the fire ring is clean and ready for the next camper.
• Common mistake: Leaving a messy fire pit or trash behind.

Common mistakes (and what happens if you ignore them)

Mistake	What it causes	Fix
Ignoring fire restrictions	Fines, wildfires, jail time	Always check official agency websites and local alerts.
Using wet or green wood	Excessive smoke, poor heat, frustration	Gather only dry, dead wood. Buy local firewood if needed.
Not clearing enough space	Fire spreading to vegetation or gear	Scrape a 10-foot radius down to bare soil.
Building fire under low branches	Overhanging branches catch fire, spreading flames	Ensure no flammable material is above or near the fire.
Adding too much wood at once	Smothering flames, creating smoke, difficult restart	Add wood gradually, allowing each piece to catch before adding more.
Leaving fire unattended	Uncontrolled spread, sparks igniting surroundings	Never leave a fire, even for a minute. Assign a fire tender.
Not having water/shovel ready	Inability to extinguish fire quickly	Keep water and a shovel within arm’s reach at all times.
Not drowning/stirring thoroughly	Rekindling of fire hours later	Drown, stir, feel until cold. Repeat as needed.
Building fire on peat or duff layer	Underground smoldering, difficult to extinguish	Dig down to mineral soil; avoid dark, spongy ground.
Using accelerants like gasoline	Explosions, uncontrolled flames, dangerous burns	Use only tinder, kindling, and natural fuels.

Decision rules (simple if/then)

• If fire restrictions are in place, then do not start a fire because it’s illegal and dangerous.
• If the wind is gusting over 15 mph, then reconsider starting a fire because sparks can travel far.
• If you can’t find an existing fire ring, then create a safe, cleared spot at least 10 feet from anything flammable because safety first.
• If your fuel is damp, then try to find drier tinder and kindling because wet wood just makes smoke.
• If you are more than 30 minutes from a water source, then bring significantly more water than you think you need for extinguishing because you can’t put it out with wishes.
• If you have cell service, then know the emergency number (911 in most places) because you might need it.
• If you have a satellite communicator, then ensure it’s charged and you know how to use it because it’s your lifeline in remote areas.
• If you are unsure about the legality of fires in the area, then check with the land manager before you go because ignorance is not an excuse.
• If you see embers escaping the fire pit, then immediately put them out with water or dirt because a small spark can become a big problem fast.
• If you are tired or have been drinking, then let someone else manage the fire or put it out completely because judgment can be impaired.
• If you have any doubt whatsoever about your ability to safely manage a fire, then don’t start one because it’s better to be safe than sorry.

FAQ

Q: How big should my bonfire be?

A: Keep it small and manageable. A good campfire is usually no bigger than your campfire ring or about 2-3 feet in diameter. Big fires are harder to control and use more wood.

Q: Can I burn trash in my campfire?

A: Generally, no. Burning trash can release toxic fumes and leave behind harmful residues. Pack out all your garbage.

Q: What if I forget to bring water to put out my fire?

A: This is a serious mistake. You must have a way to extinguish your fire completely. If you can’t, don’t start one. Drown, stir, feel until it’s cold.

Q: Is it okay to leave my campfire to go for a short walk?

A: Absolutely not. Never leave a fire unattended. Even a minute is too long. Assign someone to be the fire watcher.

Q: What’s the difference between tinder, kindling, and firewood?

A: Tinder is the stuff that catches a spark easily (like dry grass or birch bark). Kindling is small twigs that catch from the tinder. Firewood is larger pieces that sustain the fire.

Q: Can I use lighter fluid to start my campfire?

A: It’s generally discouraged. Accelerants like gasoline or lighter fluid can cause flare-ups and explosions, making the fire dangerous. Stick to natural tinder and kindling.

Q: How do I know if my fire is completely out?

A: It needs to be cold to the touch. Drown it with water, stir the ashes, and feel them with the back of your hand. If it’s too hot to touch, it’s not out.

Q: What if I find an old fire pit that looks neglected?

A: Always check it for safety first. Clear any debris, ensure it’s in a safe location, and be prepared to fully extinguish any lingering embers.

What this page does NOT cover (and where to go next)

• Specific regulations for individual campgrounds or dispersed camping areas. (Check the relevant land manager’s website.)
• Advanced fire-starting techniques for survival situations. (Look for wilderness survival guides.)
• Information on building fire pits from scratch. (Research Leave No Trace principles for site restoration.)
• Detailed advice on foraging for edible or medicinal plants. (Consult local experts and field guides.)
• Regulations regarding campfires in specific national parks or monuments. (Always check the park’s official website.)