According to the National Parks Service, human activity is the main cause of wildfires in the United States, and unattended campfires are the major culprit, being responsible for about 85 percent of wildfires. To prevent such incidents, national parks, forests
According to the National Parks Service, human activity is the main cause of wildfires in the United States, and unattended campfires are the major culprit, being responsible for about 85 percent of wildfires. To prevent such incidents, national parks, forests, and fire-prone wilderness areas often implement restrictions and bans on open flames.
Regulations may vary based on the location and season, so you always have to check and see what rules are in place before planning your trip. Some rules require you to obtain an open-fire permit or improvise when all flames and propane stoves are off limits.
Camping without a fire to roast marshmallows over may seem gloomy, but putting together whatever is available can make your campfire-free trip be just as rewarding, as you can still spend your days hiking, swimming in lakes or rivers, and can have the best stargazing condition without the brightness of a campfire.
To help you with your campfire-free trip, we’ve listed some ways to cook your meals during a burn ban.
Cooking outdoors and away from the comfort of your kitchen can be intimidating, frustrating even. But, who says you can’t bring your kitchen to the wilderness? Check out this article about our top recommendations for the best camping cookware for all budget and sizes.
A burn ban is a temporary ban on open flames, especially recurrent when there are drought conditions. This means no campfires, open fires, or barbeques, regardless of whether or not you are in a commercial campground. However, burn bans can mean different things depending on the location. It could mean no wood-burning, no open flame, no charcoal burning, no bio-fuel stoves, or others, so it is best to check in with local authorities or do your research before heading to the area.
There are two kinds of camping fire restrictions. Stage 1 is the least restrictive, and stage 2, the most restrictive. When things get bad, national forests get shut down until restrictions are lifted and the forest is re-opened.
Although restrictions vary around the world, here is what the two stages mean according to the Lake County Office of Emergency Management:
Building, attending, maintaining, or using a campfire, fire, or stove fire unless in constructed, permanent fire pits, fire grates within developed campgrounds. Using gas lanterns, pressurized liquid fuel, portable stoves, petroleum, fully-enclosed stove with a 1” spark arrestor type screen is allowed.Smoking, except in a develope