Bonfire night for the church youth group on our acreage. How far from the fire should the porta potty go?

Question

We're hosting the youth group bonfire on our back pasture in two weeks, around 40 kids plus a handful of parents, starting at dusk and probably running till 10 or so. House is too far for kids to trek back and forth in the dark, so I'm renting one standard unit.

My worry is the fire. The pasture is pretty open but the only flat, truck friendly spot is maybe a stone's throw from where we always build the pile. Wind usually comes from the west and carries sparks and ash that way.

Is the plastic on these things a real fire risk if an ember lands on the roof? Should it sit upwind, and how far back do people usually put it? Also wondering if I should leave a path lit so the little ones can find it without walking past the fire.

Brooke L. · Answer

Place the standard portable toilet at least 25 feet upwind from the bonfire to minimize fire risk and keep sparks from landing on it. The plastic construction of a standard unit is not highly flammable, but prolonged exposure to embers or direct flame could cause melting or damage. Since your wind typically comes from the west, position the unit east of the fire pit. Ensure the unit is on level ground and accessible for the delivery truck and service visits.

Lighting a path to the unit is a good idea for safety, especially for younger attendees. Use solar lights or battery-powered lanterns along the route, keeping the path clear of tripping hazards and away from the fire area. This helps guests find the toilet easily without walking too close to the bonfire.

For your event size, around 40 kids and a few parents, one standard unit is sufficient based on the event planning guideline of about one unit per 50 to 75 people for a four-hour gathering. Since alcohol isn’t involved and the duration is short, no additional units are needed. Weekly service is standard, but for a one-day event like this, a single service after the event is typical.

Bonfire night for the church youth group on our acreage. How far from the fire should the porta potty go?

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