Talk back to Billy Joel on this one, because we actually did start the fire in this instance (or at least, you’re going to, with these fire🔥 tips). Lighting a beach bonfire is an artful experience all its own. Many of us have memories around the fire, but typically not many of us are familiar with how to step up to do the actual lighting. Which is what brings us together for campfire songs today—beach edition. So we can ignite your excitement for how to light a bonfire at the beach, and keep that flame alive. To arm you with the very best ways to light a beach bonfire. Oh, and put it out as well.
…It was always burnin’ since the world’s been turnin’...
Psst, pair this with Beach Bonfire Must-Haves in order to be fully prepped for a heated, flickering flame.
School supplies, for the fire, if you will.
The groundwork. With the sand as your foundation.
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Those days as a scout are finally coming in useful.
Shovel out a pit for your bonfire a thoughtful distance away from the water. Your hole should be two feet deep with raised edges to help block from the wind.
Use rocks to form a border around the edge of your pit for extra precaution.
Form your firewood logs into a teepee shape in the gorgeous pit you have now created.
Collect plenty of small twigs, kindling, and paper from the area (or bring old newspaper along) to keep your fire ablaze.
Stack, bundle, and cram twigs, kindling, and paper in a tight pile underneath the teepee you built.
This is where we tell Billy Joel that we actually play a part.
Light the pile of kindling with your lighter or matches, allowing your lighter to make contact with the teepee of firewood logs.
Gently blow on the fire while it’s starting—this encourages it to burn.
Do not leave the fire unattended. Be sure to keep a responsible person of age monitoring the bonfire throughout the evening.
“And we’re gonna let it burn, burn, burn…” Ellie Goulding sang. But no, in this case, we won’t be doing that.
Your cooler gets to multi-task tonight. Fill it with ice to keep your drinks chilled throughout the get-together. When it’s time for light’s out (er, the fire out), fill said cooler up with ocean water.
Pour the ocean water over the bonfire to extinguish at the end of the night.
Never smother the bonfire with sand.
Always clean up after yourself and your group and ensure that the fire is completely extinguished before leaving the beach. Pick up your extinguished firewood once it is cooled off, so people don’t trip over it the next day.
With that, we think you’re fully prepped and ready to light and extinguish your beach bonfire. In fact, we hope you’re pretty fired up to do so.
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