How to build a bonfire

Bonfires arouse strong feelings. I feel strongly that they are a Good Thing. There are those, many of whom write to local papers, who feel that they are Bad.

This is why my pyrotechnic expeditions to the bottom of the garden happen after dark. Recently, I heard muffled movement next door. Was my neighbour taking disapproving notes? Not at all. Twin columns of flame shot from our respective incinerators. Seems I’m not the only furtive fire-setter in my neck of the woods.

And speaking of wood, before carelessly tossing a match on to the heap, are you sure you have the best design for the job? Yes, bonfire building is quite a science.

It's worth considering. Tee-pee, pyramid and log cabin constructions are all explained, step by step, at Instructibles, with more detail at Campfire Dude where they also explain how to lay a really, really big fire. Close-up pictures of a combination log cabin/teepee design "that lights with one match" are at Deep Creek Times.