The Importance of Bonfire Basics for Log House Living

The Joy of Bonfire Gatherings

Life at the log cabin is typically full of relaxing outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, fishing, and swimming, but one of the best things about being at the log cabin is sitting around a bonfire. Bonfires can be enjoyed throughout the year (if the area you live doesn't have any fire bans), but are especially appreciated when the weather gets a bit cooler and you can spend an evening around an outdoor fire. A bonfire is good for the soul, it's a great place to sit back relax, and enjoy the company of family and friends. If your log cabin building doesn't have a dedicated fire pit area, you can still enjoy this log cabin activity you'll just need to do a bit more preparation to make sure that you stay safe. The following are just some of the things that will help to ensure your bonfire is safe and successful.

Understanding Local Regulations

Know the Law. No matter where your log cabin building is located, there will be certain rules and regulations about what you can burn, how close the fire can be to your log house and whether or not you need a fire permit. A good idea is to call your local fire department to get the necessary information you need.

Choosing a Safe Location

Clear the Spot. Safety should always be foremost on your mind, so you want to choose an area that is far enough from your log cabin building to ensure that any stray embers won't be a concern, but close enough that you can easily run inside to get some beverages, or smores ingredients when supplies run low. Look for an open space without any trees overhead or piles of dead, dry branches around.

Creating a Fire Pit

Dig a Fire Pit. You can build a fire on flat ground, but a fire pit will keep the fire more contained and will make it much easier to extinguish. Dig your fire pit at least six inches deep, and stack the removed dirt to one side of the fire pit (you can use the dirt later to smother the fire). Ring the fire pit with some medium-sized rocks to keep the flames contained and from spreading beyond the bonfire boundaries.

Efficient Fire Building Techniques

Construct a Pyramid. For maximum fuel efficiency and ambiance, arrange the wood and twigs upright and lean them against each other, in the form of a pyramid or a tipi, with the dry kindling underneath, keeping the kindling raised slightly off the ground to create space for some air to circulate. Use tinder, such as dried grasses or wood shavings to catch the initial spark of the fire and ignite the kindling quickly.

Properly Extinguishing the Fire

Extinguish the Fire Completely. When you are done, you want to some spend extra effort putting the fire out properly. Start preparing to put the fire out about a half-hour before you plan to go inside the log cabin for the night by letting the fire die down. Even if it looks like the fire is out, smother the embers using the reserved dirt set aside from digging the pit, pour some ice water from a cooler onto it. Add in some sand if you have any. The fire pit area should be cool, if not cold to the touch before you leave for the night. Keep these simple safety tips in mind, so you can enjoy plenty of evenings around the bonfire, no matter where you live.