Federal, state and local fire authorities may have restrictions on the size of bonfires in a campground, wilderness area and even your backyard to reduce the incidence of wildfires or damage to people and property. Flying sparks can travel to places unknown at night, since it's hard to see much beyond the bonfire when it's dark out. An ember can start a blaze many feet away from the bonfire, or go undetected for a while and start a larger, uncontrollable fire. Besides restricting where people can have bonfires, a number of states in the U.S. also regulate where the wood for a bonfire comes from to prevent the spread of diseases and invasive insects in local environments.
The location of the bonfire is critical to burning wood safely at night. If the combustible debris surrounding the bonfire is not removed, the bonfire can spread beyond the fire ring, creating a serious fire. Big fires also create their own weather and a hot plume of smoke and flame can spread to neighboring trees. Having a bonfire at night in mountainous areas on a still night may seem safe, but mountains have a weather phenomenon called "cold air drainage," which happens at night, often creating strong winds as cooler air drains down from the mountain tops. When this occurs, the fire burns faster and hotter and embers can blow many feet away from the site of the fire.
Wood smoke is full of tiny particles that can irritate the respiratory system of people, especially older people and children whose lungs are immature. If the wind shifts, someone sitting in the path of the breeze can experience an unexpected blast of smoke for which she is not prepared. Sparks and embers can also fly, landing on people and burning both their clothing and skin. People who get too close to a fire may be at risk for tripping over rocks or twigs, which could result in serious burns. The coals from a bonfire can last well through the night, creating a hazard for anyone camping in a nearby tent or even camping trailer, especially if a breeze or wind develops during the night.
Following all the safety precautions that local fire authorities have developed increases the safety of having a bonfire. Rakes, shovels and plenty of water can also stop the spread of an uncontrolled fire until help arrives to control the blaze. Once the fire is nearly out, pouring water over it and using the shovel to mix the ashes with the water also prevents middle-of-the night flare-ups.
