By: Logan Reavis
With summer underway, knowing when to have a campfire is a vital part of going camping. Whether you’re in the backcountry, at a campground, or on public lands the rules will vary. Nine out of ten wildfires are human-caused in the United States. This is preventable! Nobody wants to be the person that starts a wildfire by accident.
Every campground, wilderness area, and state will have varying rules to abide by so if you don’t know before you go, the best practice is to call the local ranger station. Keep in mind that fire rules can change as the environment changes over time. In Oregon, last summer campfires were completely banned, even in fire rings at established campsites.
Recreating responsibility takes some time and knowledge, but fear no more. Today we’re going to break it down how to responsibly have a campfire in 5 simple steps.
- Before you head out to your destination, check the local wilderness regulations surrounding fires. Do this by searching online, and seeing if there is updated information with the US Forest Service. If it is hard to find, calling is best. Plus, local rangers are super helpful in answering any additional questions you might have.
- Be sure to have the allowed cooking equipment. Are gas stoves allowed? Can you bring propane? Are you allowed to cook over a fire?
- Pack emergency tools to put out a fire. Extra water, shovel, gloves-especially if you’re going to a remote area. If you start a fire it is essential you know when a fire is out. It should be drained with so much water so that it is cold to the touch. YouTube has great videos on how to start and properly extinguish a campfire.
- Do not burn trash! Practice Leave No Trace when you’re camping. Burning trash and harmful materials are included in this. Many campgrounds prefer you use their local wood for burning to limit invasive species. Another question to ask the ranger!
- Practice and lead by example. If you’re backpacking and notice hikers having a fire where you know it is not allowed, call them into a conversation.
In theory, the more the outdoor community is able to learn how to be better outdoor stewards, the better off our planet will be from impact. To brush up on wildfire and fire safety, visiting Smokey Bear online is a great resource. For families, teaching kiddos the importance of fire safety will build an impact for generations to come. Visit the Leave No Trace website for important ways to show up outdoors, and make a positive impact on local wilderness areas.
Thank you to Recreate Responsibly for creating beautiful graphics and tips.