On nights across Charleston, groups of friends gather to relax with flaming wood, s’mores, cold drinks, stories and laughter.

Bonfires are one of the key ways to socialize on summer nights across town with the fast-paced social life of the fall and spring semesters slowing down and people trickling in and out of town.

Brian Howard, a graduate student in geography, hosts bonfires regularly and said he enjoys the smooth atmosphere.

“It’s not all about going crazy,” Howard said. “You can relax. You get to really know people. It’s a time and place where you can be yourself and talk to people one-on-one. You don’t get that at other gatherings.”

The key is the flame, which can be difficult to maintain on certain nights without the right techniques and materials.

Howard said a flickering or faltering flame can kill the party’s overall atomosphere.

“You have to be knowledgeable about fires,” he said. “You want to start with small sticks. The hardest part is getting (a fire) started; but once it gets going, its all downhill from there.”

After building and maintaining the flame and getting people to arrive, the fun can begin.

“You can just sit, sip on a cool one and have fun with friends,” Howard said.

According to the U.S. Fire Administration’s website, it is advised that you warn your neighbors beforehand, and set off the flame away from sheds, fences, trees and other outdoor flammables.

Though the old-fashioned way of starting a fire might not seem cool, tossing gas on the flame to speed the process up could be disastrous.

The USFA’s website also said to keep a garden hose or fire extinguisher near the bonfire, avoid wearing loose-fitting or flammable clothing, keep pets away from the fire, and avoid burning paper, carboard, plywood, or softwoods that are likely to pop and spark. Also, use seasoned hardwood as much as possible.

“You’ve got to add the right amount of dry material,” Howard said.

He said bonfires are not an intense way to party but are a good opportunity to meet new friends, have fun and relax.

“You can be yourself; you’re relaxing and talking to people,” Howard said. “You don’t have a front up. It’s a time and place where you’re just you. There’s no peer pressure, nervousness or expectations. You’re just having a good time.”

Joshua Bryant can be reached at 581-2812 or [email protected].