Last updated on March 21st, 2023 at 05:32 pm
It can be quite perplexing to figure out how to start a fire on the beach after a long day of swimming and surfing. You’re wet, cold, the sun is setting, and you’re surrounded by sand, water and wind.
Starting a fire on the beach requires knowledge, skill, preparedness, and patience. In short, find a spot, gather your wood, dig a hole, start your fire. Enjoy!
Is it Legal to Build a Fire on the Beach?
It’s always a good idea to know the rules and regulations for your destination.
Most beaches are governed by local authorities, so each one is different. Some require a permit; some don’t; some don’t allow fires at all.
Researching before you visit is best. And, most beaches have their own website, so that’s always a good place to start.
Additionally, if you didn’t have time to prepare, you can always check with local lifeguards or beach patrol upon your arrival. Many beaches will also post signs along the way that detail the dos and don’ts.
What To Pack For A Beach Bonfire
One of the challenges to beach bonfires is that your vehicle might not be accessible. Therefore, packing all your needs into an outdoor wagon is beneficial for hauling your supplies.
While not mandatory, I enjoy having a folding shovel just because it makes digging a little easier.
On the off chance your beach doesn’t have a great deal of wood, or if you’re unsure, it doesn’t hurt to bring at least a small bundle of your own.
Also, bring kindling and a fire starter. Since beaches are notoriously windy, we’d recommend a windproof or arc-style lighter.
You’ll also need a good-sized bucket for extinguishing your fire at night’s end.
Additionally, pack whatever food you intend on cooking along with all of the necessary dinnerware and cutlery. Don’t forget your trash bags for cleanup, and a washcloth or wipes are useful for sandy hands.
Furthermore, we prefer pre-made dinners in foil for a couple of reasons. First, by making them at home, it ensures you’re not getting a bunch of sand in your food.
Second, it reduces the amount of work involved, as well as packed items. Plus, it’s a cinch to clean up.
And finally, you’ll need to take something to sit on, whether a towel, blanket, or chair; and a jacket if it’s cool out.
Don’t forget the most important items: the drinks and the music.
1. Search for a Site
Some beaches provide fire rings, which makes your job super easy.
However, in most cases, you’ll want to find a spot far enough away from the water that you won’t have to worry about the tide coming in and spoiling your fun.
By the same token, you need to have plenty of distance between your fire and any treelines or underbrush.
Remember, beaches are extremely windy, so give yourself a wide berth.
2. Collect Fuel
Once you’ve found your ideal location, begin looking for something to burn.
Herein lies the tricky part. In an area that’s predominantly sand and water, it can be challenging to find wood and kindling.
If it’s available, find whatever dry wood you can get your hands on. A variety of other items like dead grass, leaves, needles, and twigs will work for kindling. If you’re really lucky, you may even find a piece of driftwood.
Grabbing as many different sizes as you can allows you to build your fire most efficiently.
Conversley, with a potential lack of resources, it’s always a good idea to bring your own wood and kindling. Not only are they scarce on the beach, but others are competing for them as well.
3. Dig a Fire Pit
Next, if your beach doesn’t provide a fire ring, then you’ll need to dig a hole that’s 9-12 inches deep to help block the wind. It may be too difficult to start a fire above ground.
Therefore, the hole is necessary to not only provide a wind block, but to also keep your fire from jumping to nearby treelines or brush.
In fact, it’s a good idea to line your pit with rocks to help radiate the heat outward. Just remember to put them back when you’re done. Leave no trace applies to beaches too!
4. Build a Log-Cabin Style Structure
While there are many styles of fire building, most beachgoers use the log-cabin structure because it protects your kindling from the wind while you’re trying to get your fire started.
Yet, it leaves just enough room to fan your fire allowing it to grow on its own to build nice and strong.
Cabin fires are also great for generating exceptional heat, making them particularly useful for wet wood, without consuming your resources very quickly.
5. Use a Firestarter
Because you’re fighting coastal winds, it’s imperative you have a fire-starter. There are a variety of commercial fire-starters you can purchase, or you can make your own.
A good starter hack is to take cotton balls dipped in Vaseline. It lights easily and should burn long enough to get your kindling going. They’re wind-hardy and stay lit while getting your cabin built.
Other great homemade fire-starters include:
- Newspaper wadded and stuffed inside of used toilet paper or paper towel cores
- Leftover candle wax, melted and poured over dryer lint in paper egg cartons
- Corks soaked in rubbing alcohol
- Thoroughly dried pine cones soaked in spent cooking oil (then allowed to dry)
- Dried orange peels
6. Properly Extinguish your Fire
Once you’ve indulged in your evening bonfire, eventually, you’ll need to put it to bed. It’s important to thoroughly extinguish your fire before leaving the beach.
Grab a long stick, or that handy shovel that you brought, and disperse your coals into as thin a layer as possible.
Next, fetch some water from the lake or ocean and douse your fire with it.
Stir your coals while moistening everything. Then, repeat as many times as necessary until you no longer feel any heat coming from your fire. You should physically be able to touch your coals and ash.
Most beaches are okay with burying your ash once you’re done, but double-check your beach regulations.
Just make absolutely sure your fire is completely extinguished! Believe it or not, fires can smolder underground for weeks on end.
7. Leave No Trace
And Finally, once cooled, don’t forget to put your rocks back where you found them.
Pick up your trash and leave your spot on the beach cleaner than you found it making your presence untraceable.
Don’t leave your trash behind, and double-check your fire one last time before you leave!
Grab Your Beach Blanket and Get Going
Campers looking to relax, cook food or warm up after a cold dip in the lake or ocean will appreciate a campfire. Plus, beach bonfires are a great way to make lifelong memories. However, building a fire on the beach has several more obstacles than building at a campsite or in a backyard firepit. But, following these tips will ensure that you have a successful warm and comfortable campfire the next time you visit the beach making you the life of the party!
Additionally, remember to always practice fire safety, leave no trace upon your departure, and have fun. It will definitely be a night to remember.
Image Credit: J_S_photo_archive | (source) | Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)— reduced file size and image