How to Make a Bonfire with Lighter Fluid

Co-authored by Anthony Porter

Last Updated: January 24, 2025 References

Starting a bonfire is simple, fun, and a task that requires no previous experience so anyone can learn. Making a bonfire is also a great way to spend leisure time and have fun with friends and family.

Steps

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1
Locate where you want to have the bonfire.
- Make sure the location is dry.^{[1]
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- Make sure the wood you want to burn is dry as well.
Align them so there is a gap near the bottom.^{[2]
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Set the newspaper on fire with the lighter and stick the first piece in the middle of the wood through the gap which you should have made before. You can choose to do this 2 ways:
- You can light the newspaper in your hand and then place it in the middle of the wood.
- You can place the newspaper in the middle first and then light it. If you are using twigs and leaves, place them in the middle of the wood FIRST before lighting them. They are smaller so it is unsafe to light them in your hand before placing in the center.
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Take more pieces of paper and place them at different angles in the center of the wood to spread the fire and burn the wood balancing against each other.^{[4]
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- The newspaper will catch on fire, so place it in fast and quickly move your hand out of the fire pit.
6
Take the lighter fluid and carefully pour it on top wood. Pour from as far as possible because flames will shoot straight up.
- Move your hand away fast so you don't burn yourself; the lighter fluid will catch on fire very quickly. Do not lean over pit when doing this.^{[5]
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When you notice the fire starting to go down add additional wood onto the fire and use your stick/ metal rod and carefully move the wood around so it all is burning evenly.
- At this point, the fire should be burning pretty well. Watch out for the heat when moving around pieces.
- Keep adding newspaper to the pit and/or very small amounts of lighter fluid to the wood.
Repeat the process of using your stick or metal rod and carefully moving the food around, whenever you notice the fire to go down again^{[6]
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Expert Q&A

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Can I make a bonfire anywhere?

Anthony Porter
Outdoorsman and Survival Expert
Anthony Porter is a nature educator, archer, and outdoorsman based in South Lake Tahoe, California. He is an Outdoor Survival expert, and educates millions around the world through his social media presence as “Outdoor Anthony”. His videos have turned him into a viral sensation on TikTok & Instagram, where he has over 400k followers. He is the current Communications Director of the Tahoe Rim Trail Association, promoting wildlife stewardship and preservation on print media, TV, and radio. Anthony has also showcased his outdoor prowess as a recurring yearly TV athlete as NBC's the Archery Ninja on American Ninja Warrior. He is also the producer, editor and Host of the Orangutan Podcast, discussing rainforest conservation initiatives with Dr. Gary Shapiro, famous for teaching orangutans symbolic sign language. As a professional educator for the better part of a decade, Anthony has explored 20 countries, and has taught people of all ages across the United States. He received a Bachelor’s degree in Parks and Recreation Management from Northern Arizona University, and earned an MBA from Cal Poly Pomona with a concentration in sustainable Marketing, and is always looking to dive right into the next adventure.

Anthony Porter

Outdoorsman and Survival Expert

Expert Answer

Before making a bonfire, always check local fire restrictions and regulations to ensure it’s legal in your area. Many places have specific rules to prevent wildfires or protect public spaces. If bonfires are allowed, choose a safe, open location away from buildings, trees, or dry vegetation. You can use a designated fire pit or create a circle with some rocks to ensure that the fire does not spread. Keep some water, a fire extinguisher, or sand nearby in case of emergencies. Never leave a fire unattended; supervise the fire at all times. And when you're done, it's your responsibility to put out the fire.

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Question

Wont the lighter fluid explode?

Community Answer

It is not advisable to add lighter fluid to a fire already lit. This is dangerous and could lead to serious burns. A safer way to use lighter fluid to make a bonfire is to put the fluid on the wood, add some paper, light a match, and throw the match on or in the fire. This should catch the stack, paper, and lighter fluid on fire.

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How do I use gasoline safely?

Community Answer

Only add it little by little, don't just put it all on there or it may start a bigger fire than what you want or catch other things on fire.

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Tips

To make the bonfire even better, you can bring some additional sticks smaller in diameter, some marshmallows, a couple of your favorite blocks of chocolate, and graham crackers, and you can make s'mores with these. They taste great and are super fun to make.

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It is essential to make sure the items are dry so they can burn more easily.

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Warnings

Bonfires can be extremely dangerous if the steps are not followed correctly

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The newspaper will catch on fire so place it in fast and quickly move your hand out of the fire pit.

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At this point, the fire should be burning pretty well. Watch out for the heat when moving around pieces.

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Do not play with fire because it can lead to burns, body disfigurement, and even death. Be careful and responsible while making a bonfire.

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It is preferable that the person using lighter fluid during the process has had some experience using it for extra safety.

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Be careful when using lighter fluid; it catches on fire extremely fast.

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Things You'll Need

Twigs/Leaves
Newspaper - store bought or from the mail carrier (along with twigs and leaves, newspaper is used to getting the fire going initially and helps burn the large pieces of wood)
Lighter
Wood - store bought or from your backyard
Pit Ground/Metal Stand
Charcoal Fluid
Thick ½ inch diameter stick/Metal rod - store bought or from your backyard
Lighter fluid