Just found out that there's a fire ban in the township where the campground we're going to this week is located. No campfires for us. We're bringing a tabletop propane flame pit. The loophole around the ban is that is for cooking s'mores.
We have fire bans often here in New Mexico. It is a bummer. We received some rain recently so the bans have been lifted for now. But smores anyway you make them are great.
Just be careful, I remember a few years ago, folks across from us had their propane fire pit going roasting marshmallows and the park Wardens made them put it our and also fined them for having a fire during a ban ... You can have a fire for cooking meals, but marshmallows, smore's and popcorn are not classed as meals...
We pass miles of recovering burned out forest on our way to any of the camps we frequent. There are the remains of peoples burned out homes, entry gates leading to bare foundations, for sale signs. If we have to do without an evening fire, we can live with that.
We are under fire ban right now here in Arizona. We have been having quite a bit of rain lately so we are hoping for a lift in the ban soon. Down here the propane fire pits are acceptable and allowed as long as you have a 3' non burn circle and there is no immediate overhead trees. The fire pit must also be on a closure valve that when turned off the flame goes out and the unit turns off. Check your restriction rules closely as they don't like to advertise that propane is allowable. Was at a CG just yesterday and when we got there Friday they reminded us of the ban but didn't say anything about gas. When I brought it up the lady there reluctantly admitted it, and the gentleman that was with her didn't even know about that allowance.
We all have to appreciate the Fire Bans after the damage the past a current fires have been doing. Controlled burns and clearing is necessary but in w/o funding the bans are put in place. We purchased our Camp Chef fire pit as the alternative because of the bans in AZ this yr.
