[pct-l] HYOH

[Jerry Goller]

I have been camping and backpacking since I was 5 years old. For the first
20 years or so fires where the only option other than white gas camp stoves.
My dad taught me how to start fires in almost any conditions. He also taught
me how to maintain a fire and how to put it out. I switched over to
practical stoves when they became available. There is nothing like dreaming
the fire or the smell of wood smoke, so every so often I build a fire, maybe
once or twice a year. I always build a fire when my son and wife come along.
In all those years and all those fires I've never, ever, *ever* had one even
remotely get away from me. 

But I was taught that fire was a dangerous, living thing. Like any dangerous
living thing it needed to be restrained and guarded. Never forget it is
there and it is just waiting to cause mischief. 

As far as laws and rules are concerned, they have theirs and I have mine.

Jerry

http://www.backpackgeartest.org/: the most comprehensive interactive gear
reviews on the planet.


-----Original Message-----
From: pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net [mailto:pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net]
On Behalf Of Ken Murray
Sent: Saturday, February 11, 2012 13:40
To: .
Subject: [pct-l] HYOH

plus it was
in section A with a burn ban in effect(against the law). We were all eating
dinner and a gal starts the fire in the pit,a couple of us were outraged,but
were calmed by a person who explained that she needed the fire for
dinner(possibly legal?), ======================

It amazes me how otherwise reasonable folks can put themselves into a
position where they are forced to break rules, then justify that they should
do so, because they need to do so. (usually meaning that it is inconvenient
not to do so)

Just so it is ABSOLUTELY clear, it is NOT ok or legal to start an open fire
when there is a burn ban in effect.  If you do, and that fire spreads due to
wind and starts a major fire, you can look forward to years in prison.

I don't mean to frame this as a hardass, but clarity is sometimes the best
thing.  If you are clueless about what you are doing, and harm others, it is
NOT excusable.  

This year is starting to look like it might be an epically dry year.  There
is already talk among forest managers about CLOSING national forests in july
due to the fire danger.  We hikers should be aware of this heightened danger
as well, and be willing to adjust ourselves to that reality.

I work in an occupation in which 'becoming involved' in a situation is not
an option, it is mandatory, with legal ramifications for not becoming
involved.  I believe the right thing to do is to become involved.
Simply packing up and moving on is not the right thing to do, unless it is
to find authorities to report to.

None of what I'm saying was meant to apply to the poster who I was quoting.

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