Every man thinks that he can build a fire, after all isn’t it one the basic skills passed down in our genes from our ancestors? But if you want to build a Bonfire Night spectacular blaze to go with your firework display and party celebrations, it really does take special skills. And, to build a blazing monster that is safe for everyone too is an absolute essential.
November 5th, Bonfire Night, Guy Fawkes day, whatever it’s called in your town or part of the country, is when every man believes he has by right been passed the right attributes by from father and his grandfather to make a great fire for the special occasion that is well controlled and will be well behaved, and that it’s not something special to do this. Oh how wrong we all are!

Choosing the right location for the fire is one of the keys to success, needing you to use your common sense and selecting a spot at least 12 metres away from overhanging trees, the garden shed or any other building and your vegetable bed and in a location sheltered from the wind! By the way, don’t forget the neighbours either. Make sure that they know about your plans so that they can ensure their pets are safely indoors, the windows are shut and they’ve taken the washing in.
It’s an interesting point to note, but while householders are under strict instructions, even to be fined, to sort out recycled rubbish, there aren’t byelaws controlling bonfires in the community.

Clearly in November, unless it’s a very dry autumn, there is little point digging a fire pit to keep your fire under control, because the soil beneath is going to be wetter than the surface. The alternative is to build a circle of boundary stones, bricks, breeze blocks etc. to help manage the size of the fire.

So, now to the building of the fire itself: collect that bundle of small dry wood, leaves and newspaper that you have been saving and put them on the ground in the centre of your boundary circle. Place a couple of substantial pieces of wood either side, to keep the kindling wood in place, then some more logs at right angles across the first two to make a square and provide a platform for the rest of the fire. Start to add your firewood on top, criss-crossing it as each layer fire grows, increasing the size and filling any large gaps with kindling where any layers don’t touch, to make sure that you get an even burn on all sides.

If you leave a small tunnel to access the centre of the fire near the bottom it makes the bonfire easier to light. To finish it all off construct a pyramid of wood around the platform. The shape is important to ensure the materials collapse inwards, fuelling the flames below and not following outside the boundary circle.

On the night, when its time to light your fire, light a newspaper torch to set the centre of the bonfire alight. Never, never, ever use petrol or paraffin to light or restart a fire. An explosion will happen which will be really dangerous. Also, avoid burning anything that can give off toxic fumes or explode like paint cans or aerosols.

Fireworks can be set off legally only until midnight on Bonfire Night and are banned from 11pm to 7am during the rest of the year, except for certain festivals. Lawbreakers can face a fine or jail and think of your neighbours too.
For information about the legal restrictions and guidelines on Bonfires, go to http://www.environmental-protection.org.uk/assets/library/documents/Bonfires_leaflet_Oct07.pdf
And for government advice on managing your bonfire go to: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/HomeAndCommunity/InYourHome/Escapingandrecoveringfromafire/DG_180786