Won't go to bed with fire

[mikepond]

I am one of those people, gotta stay warm somehow right? We always tend to take precautions to make sure the fire is okay even though I always try to keep a lookout.

[yosemitefan]

When I worked trails in Yosemite, we followed a very rigid rule and were not allowed to set up camp within--I can't remember exactly how many feet now...I'd say at least 100 to 200, if not more. At any rate, we were not allowed to camp near any river, stream or lake because of the risk of contamination. We were also not allowed to use soap. If we did, it had to come from a natural, biodegradable source. If only all campers were held to these standards. I wasn't aware of phosphates in the ashes...

[ChadTower]

The funny thing is the hikers follow the rules religiously. Then you leave the protected area and for miles there are little campfire spots all down the riverbed on the rocks where people have partied at night. The rules don't exist for residents.

[Michael]

I usually pour enough water onto the fire that there are no visible embers. If it's really dry out, I'll pour a lot more water on it.

I always use a nice ring of stones and clear the area of the fire of dry leaves, twigs, and such. You know, basic fire safety stuff. The embers are pretty well contained, so it's unlikely that anything bad will happen.

If you don't go really aggro with the water, you can still have enough warm embers buried under ash that you can start a new fire without matches or anything. I like having the option of the lazy man's fire starter.

[yosemitefan]

I haven't found any information about phosphate levels in the waterways but I did read an article that stated Washington state is considering imposing a ban on beach bonfires to reduce CO2 emissions because, apparently, these fires are contributing to global warming. I just don't agree with all these proposals if there isn't any solid proof to back them up. And how can there be solid proof if these 'studies' are only a few years old?

[ChadTower]

MA/RI banned beach fires many years ago. Fun is not permitted here and beach fires may cause spontaneous instances of enjoyment. This is not desired.

[Grandpa]

As to my comment about the Uintas and ashes, I don't buy it either. It was posted at the TH when we were there last summer.