Need to learn how to build a bonfire? The first thing you’ll have to do is to make a fire pit. This is where you’ll build the bonfire. The pit will contain the flames and keep you and your family safer. It’s best to create your fire pit away from overhanging branches, which may catch on fire with a shooting flame. You should also build your bonfire away from your tent and other camping gear. To make the pit, dig hole about a foot deep and five feet in diameter, and line it with rocks.

Put a couple of small logs in the center of the pit and stuff fire starter—small twigs or scraps of paper—in between them. Some camp sites don’t allow you to gather wood; you’ll have to bring your own. Research this before heading out. Don’t use trash such as hot dog wrappers, which emit toxic fumes.

Now, place more sticks on top of this pile. You’ll repeat this process, layering twigs and logs until your wood has reached over the pit. Then place logs around the pile of wood, teepee-style. These will help the logs below to maintain their burning status and will give you a flame to cook over.

Light the fire starting material you put in between the first two logs. Make sure you don’t knock into your bonfire setup while anything is aflame; you could injure yourself or catch something unintended on fire.

Don’t get too close to the fire and make sure children stay away from the fire pit and understand the dangers of fire. Make sure you have a bottle or bucket of water at hand in case your fire gets out of control.

You’re ready to relax and enjoy the bonfire! Bring supplies to make s’mores (graham crackers, chocolate bars and marshmallows) and gather long sticks to use to toast your marshmallows.