15 replies to this topic

[smlobx]

Good afternoon folks-

 

Terri and I are doing a little planning for an upcoming trip and was wondering if charcoal cooking fires are typically allowed in areas that have a fire ban. I have heard that propane grills are usually allowed but haven’t seen any comments on charcoal fires. I would imagine that asking a ranger is the best idea.

 

What have your experiences been?

Thanks!

[ski3pin]

In our neck of the woods, charcoal grills are prohibited during fire restrictions.

[Kolockum]

In our neck of the woods, charcoal grills are prohibited during fire restrictions.

 

Same in the PNW.

[Smokecreek1]

In our neck of the woods, charcoal grills are prohibited during fire restrictions.

Yep during certain fire restrictions in Calif even in campgrounds only propane stoves are allowed, but no charcoal grills. If you are coming  California, check the CDF fire web site or the local BLM/USFS office for  local fire restrictions and get a free campfire permit-ya have to take a test  if you do it on the internet,and one of the questions concerns what you can use to cook on. Nevada also has certain stove restrictions during red flag warnings in NW Nevada.

 

Smoke

[Vic Harder]

same up here north of the border....

[AWG_Pics]

In the past we had fires nearly every camping trip and cooked on charcoal frequently. (I remember in particular a December in Organ Pipe when we had high winds and below freezing temperatures. We cooked our Lukeville purchased steaks with charcoal on the elevated grill and ate in the cab of the SUV. Man that was a miserable night in our tent, but dawn was perfect.) Nowadays we never even light an open fire and just go with propane. I miss the cheery fire, but I don't miss feeding it and getting smoke all over our clothes. And it just seems easier to avoid the risk of starting some conflagration by accident.  

Edited by AWG_Pics, 26 February 2021 - 02:03 AM.

[JaSAn]

Terri and I are doing a little planning for an upcoming trip and was wondering if charcoal cooking fires are typically allowed in areas that have a fire ban. I have heard that propane grills are usually allowed but haven’t seen any comments on charcoal fires. I would imagine that asking a ranger is the best idea.

 

On Federal land there are 3 stages of fire restrictions.  States/counties/ranger districts can have their own added restrictions.

 

Stage 1: charcoal fires only allowed in permanent, constructed fire pits/grates.

Stage 2: having a fire that does not have a shut off valve prohibited.

Stage 3: you aren't supposed to be there (area closed to all activity).

 

https://gacc.nifc.go...ction_Chart.pdf

 

It is always a good idea to ask a Ranger about conditions (not just fire) for the area you are going to be in.

[larryqp]

As with JaSAn statement, Colorado restrictions are similar. Guadalupe Mts National Park had a specific sign prohibiting charcoal fires in addition to the No Campfire Sign

[joez3]

We were camping in southern Utah, wood fires were a big no. Charcoal fires were ok, BUT you need to pack out your ashes. 

[smlobx]

Thanks everyone! That’s what we were thinking but Terri said why don’t you just ask the folks on WTW since they collectively have more experience in dealing with these restrictions.