There’s nothing quite like gathering around a bonfire with your closest friends and family. The crackling flames, the warmth of the fire, and the stars overhead create an unforgettable experience. However, nothing makes a great bonfire go wrong than trying to enjoy yourself and realizing you are missing some of the most important things you need. This blog post will cover a list of all the essentials you will want to have when having an excellent bonfire!
Contents
Dry Firewood
There’s nothing like sitting around a bonfire on a cool night, watching the flames dance and crackle. But to have a great bonfire, you need to start with dry firewood. When you first cut the wood, it contains a lot of water. If you try to burn wet wood, it will produce a lot of smoke and not much heat. The key is to let the wood sit for 6-12 months to dry out properly. You can tell if the wood is dry if it feels light and has cracks on the ends. Once you have your dry firewood, building a successful bonfire is just a matter of following a few simple tips.
Kindling
A bonfire is always a fun addition to any outdoor gathering, but to get the fire started and your dry firewood, you will also need to have some good quality kindling. Kindling is small pieces of wood or other materials that you use to start a fire. The best kindling is dry and has a large surface area so that it ignites easily. Good options for kindling include small twigs, wood shavings, and paper. Once you gather your kindling, you can arrange it in a pyramid or teepee shape before lighting it. The flames from the kindling will then help ignite the larger pieces of wood you’ve placed around it.
Matches Or A Lighter
A bonfire can be easy to set up, but it requires more than a woodpile. You’ll need some quality matches or a lighter to get the fire started. And while you may be able to borrow these items from a friend, it’s always best to have your supply on hand. After all, there’s nothing worse than being unable to start a fire when you’re ready to relax and roast some marshmallows. So when you are planning for your next great bonfire, make sure you have the matches or lighter you need to get the party started.
Buckets Of Water
One of the essential elements of a good bonfire is water. Having a few buckets of water on hand will help to ensure that the fire stays under control and doesn’t get out of hand. You can use the water to douse flames that start to climb too high or put out small spot fires around the edge of the fire pit. In addition, it’s always a good idea to have a charged hose nearby in case of an emergency. By being prepared with plenty of water, you can help keep your bonfire under control and enjoy it without worrying about accidents happening!
Camping Chairs
There’s nothing quite like sitting around a campfire on a cool evening, chatting with friends, and watching the flames dance. But to truly enjoy the experience, it’s crucial to have a comfortable chair. Camping chairs are lightweight and portable, so they’re easy to bring along on any camping trip. They also provide a place to rest your back and arms while enjoying the fire. Some chairs even come equipped with cup holders and headrests to kick back and relax without worry. Whether roasting marshmallows or simply taking in the view, a camping chair is essential for an excellent bonfire experience.
Bug Spray
Once you have the fire lit and relax in your chair, it may seem like you are all set. However, if you don’t take some other precautions, your bonfire can quickly be ruined by unwanted guests: mosquitoes. These pesky insects are annoying, but they can also transmit disease. Luckily, there is an easy way to keep them at bay: bug spray. You can enjoy your evening without worry by spraying yourself and your area with insect repellent before you start your fire. While this one is often not thought of, nothing is more annoying to you and your guests than being bothered by bugs all night, so make sure you don’t forget the bug spray!
S’mores Supplies
Last but not least, what would a bonfire be without s’mores. S’mores are a classic campfire treat, and there are few things more disappointing than being unprepared when the mood for one strikes. Fortunately, assembling the supplies for s’mores is easy and only requires a few items. An essential ingredient, of course, is marshmallows. These can be toasted over the fire on a skewer and turned into warm gooey goodness. Next, you’ll need graham crackers and chocolate bars. The chocolate can be melted and used as a dip for the marshmallows or placed between two crackers for a more traditional s’more. With these simple supplies on hand, you’ll be ready to enjoy a delicious s’more anytime the mood strikes.
Conclusion
Whether roasting marshmallows or simply enjoying the view, a bonfire is a great way to spend an evening. You can sit back, relax, and enjoy an excellent bonfire experience with a bit of preparation. By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your bonfire is successful. So next time you’re planning a camping trip or backyard gathering, keep these essentials in mind. As always, remember to be safe whenever you’re dealing with fire.
