[pct-l] New fire rings

[Edward Anderson]

During my 5 1/2 months riding the PCT between Mexico and Canada I mostly lived on the trail and only made two wood fires.  Both were in existing fire rings.  In both cases it was so I could cook a nice trout. One of those was at camp Ah-De-Na on Section O - a fisherman had given me a nice trout and I had no fry-pan so I BBQ'd it. I was careful to clear all combustables from near the ring area before starting my fires. It was not windy in either case and I put the fires out with water before climbing into my bag.  Some might think that I'm overly cautious - and that's better than having to worry that I might start wildfire. Over the years, PCT users who were careless have started fires. In most cases the wind was blowing, the person was smoking, had made a wood fire or was using an alcohol stove and had a spill or it flared up when they added more fuel.  Alcohol flames are especially dangerous because you can't see them - they are
 invisable.  
 
So, my friends, be very careful - even be "overly cautious" any time you strike a match on the PCT.  The forests are a treasure that we are privileged to be able to visit.  Please don't burn them down. 
 
MendoRider 
 
  

--- On Thu, 5/20/10, Gary Schenk <gwschenk at socal.rr.com> wrote:


From: Gary Schenk <gwschenk at socal.rr.com>
Subject: Re: [pct-l] New fire rings
To: pct-l at backcountry.net
Date: Thursday, May 20, 2010, 1:25 AM


On 5/19/2010 5:05 PM, Eugene Leafty wrote:
> I don't even want to know about where they're restricted, just tell me where
> I'm allowed to have them.

Oregon and Washington. Maybe.

No new fire rings in California. No fires in the Southern California 
forests outside of developed campgrounds.

No new fire rings in the California national parks and wilderness areas. 
No fires above 9000' is a good rule of thumb.

No fires at all in California is an even better idea. If you use an 
alcohol stove, know how to use it, and how to control it, and how to 
prevent it from incinerating a national forest and its inhabitants.

I've been backpacking in the Sierra since the '80s and have had perhaps 
two campfires. Both were in existing fire rings and under the elevation 
restrictions. Both fires were unnecessary, and I would today only have a 
fire in an emergency situation.

Gary




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