Planning a fall hiking trip?
Here’s what a California forest ecologist wants you to know about safely building a campfire.
The warm glow of a campfire really sets the mood.
Smores and ghost stories aside, however, building a fire in the woods comes with tremendous responsibility.
As wildfires rage across the western United States, were reminded that playing with fire is no joke.
Fire is one of the oldest elements used to maintain a regions health and biodiversity.
Ed Smith is a forest ecologist and fire manager for The Nature Conservancy in California. He’s currently leading efforts to increase the quality and scale of ecological restoration of forests in the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
The forests have changed.
Theyve accumulated a lot more fuels and theres a lot more trees than there were before.
As a result, we have very high-flammable or risky forests that were surrounded by, says Smith.
An expert on all-things fire, Smith has some pointers for building a campfire out in the wilderness.
Keep reading to learn how to make a campfire with forest ecologists tips at every step.
How to build a forest-friendly campfire in the backcountry
1.
Even if youre cooking on a gas stove, you have to have a permit, he says.
Its not a big deal but it helps to raise awareness about these kind of guidelines.
In other areas, campfire arent allowed.
Ed Smith is a forest ecologist and fire manager for The Nature Conservancy in California. He’s currently leading efforts to increase the quality and scale of ecological restoration of forests in the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
You dont want to transport insects or diseases from one area to another, Smith says.
Use wood thats from, or close, from where youre going to burn it.
If youre packing out into the backcountry, save yourself the hassle of bringing your own wood.
Some forest fires have been started from burn piles that were burned in the fall.
People drove away because these big burn piles8 to 12 feet widelooked like they were out, Smith says.
So its a real concern and having those rings helps contain the ash.
Your best bet is to stick to the rings that are already there.
If theresnota ring and you have to build your own, Smith has some tips:
4.
Cooking accessories, like a mesh or metal grate and cooking forks are must-haves for handling food.
you could spend a lot of money on some of that glamping gear and have a really nice experience.
Cant start a fire?
Like the Coleman, it uses propane as fuel.
At just 2 pounds, it captures UV light to heat up and cook food on-the-go.
Wherever you might find sunlight, you might cook a hardy meal.
If its too hot to touch, its too hot to leave, Smith says.
confirm its cold and not smoldering or smoking.
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