What Is The Difference Between A Campfire And A Bonfire?

Have you ever thought about what’s the difference between a campfire and bonfire?  Is it in the building technique? Is one larger than the other? When we use the word bonfire or campfire, most folks use the term loosely and think they are the same thing. While they might be alike, a bonfire is different from a campfire.

The main difference is two factors: purpose and size. If you want to find out more about the differences, read on! 

Campfire
A campfire is a little fire built to deter bugs, providing light, cooking, and heating. A campfire is typically constructed at picnic area or a campground where they’re contained in a fire pit or fire ring. They're pleasurable to sit around. The most famous type of campfire is the teepee fire.  To make one just put together a pile of kindling and small tinder enclosed by bigger sticks leaning up against each other in the form of a teepee. Because they're not very large, you can sit near a campfire and still be cozy. There's plenty of heat to keep you toasty, but it isn’t extreme.

Also, you can cook your small meal on a campfire, as well as making s’mores and roast hotdogs. As the fire burns out, it leaves a low layer of hot coals.  These coals offer a great source of heat for cooking an assortment of various things.

Bonfire
A bonfire is much more massive than a campfire. They're usually built for a huge outdoor event, signaling device, or a celebration. 

Even though a bonfire is a controlled fire, the size makes the fire more dangerous than a campfire. Bonfires are put together in open areas such as meadows and fields. It's fueled by big wood things including large logs, wood tables, wood chairs, brush, and wooden pallets. Sometimes instead of getting stump removal service, homeowners will turn their stump into a bonfire.

A bonfire is usually the focal point for a celebration where folks enjoy it from a distance. The dominant heat makes it hard to sit by a bonfire which is why many individuals stand back and don't get near it.​

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