New2RVees
Chatsworth, CA
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Joined: 07/02/2007
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Happy_Trails wrote:...But, he asked the question after saying, he has been hanging our in the PUP forum for a year. After a year of reading messages in a forum on RV.net, being familiar with CA, having been boondocking, most would assume he was trying to get around the rules relating to fire.
Huh?
That's kind of a leap...IMHO. You know how I found this boondocking forum? I asked a question more related to boondocking, and the moderator over at the PUP forum moved it over here. I wasn't "going to ask Daddy, after Mommy said no," if that's what you're implying above.
The bulk of my posts on the PUP forum were directly PUP related - I.e. How to do this or that, or how to fix things. The advice and commaraderie were great over there. I've learned a lot about my PUP in the last year. "Boondocking" and "dry-camping" interest me too, and so now I'm also checking out this forum...hope there's room for one more. I promise not to camp next to you, if you do the same!
Happy_Trails wrote:...Having seen each year millions of dollars of damage to homes, ranches, animals and National Forests, it is not surprising there is some reaction to his message. Even you say, "if the sign says No Open Fires, the fire pit should be OK.
However, you are mistaken, in CA if the signs say No Open Fires, it means not even a lit cigarette. A Fire pit is a definite No, No... even a charcoal BBQ. The season in most areas where the signs say NO OPEN FIRES, generally is year round, and No fires are allowed at any time. You can't in most cities even get a permit to burn trash or brush in your yard any time during the year.
We can all have "opinions" but they are not valid law.
- Sorry, I have lived and camped (and backpacked) regularly in California for over 30 years, and that has not been my experience.
Typically the Forest Service has different "Fire threat levels," and they are not the same year-round. We were still legally allowed to have a campfire in a campground fire ring in Los Padres NF in June 2007 and in Sequoia NF during the month of July 2007, and we did just that.
The trip I referenced in my OP was in September 2007 in Los Padres NF, and by that time the restictions had become more severe - and so we obeyed.
But later that same month I did a backpacking trip in the Sierra, and fires were OK below 9,000 feet. (Tuolumne Meadows to Mammoth) And yes, we had one. And yes, we made sure it was out before going to bed. And yes, we dispersed our firepit rocks before breaking camp the next morning.
I am not the enemy here!
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New2RVees
Chatsworth, CA
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dave54 wrote:We seem to be in the minority here, but we stopped having campfires years ago. Never missed it.
But if you want the specific verbage for National Forest lands:
Title 36CFR
Sec.261.5 Fire.
The following are prohibited:
(a) Carelessly or negligently throwing or placing any ignited
substance or other substance that may cause a fire.
(b) Firing any tracer bullet or incendiary ammunition.
(c) Causing timber, trees, slash, brush or grass to burn except as authorized by permit.
(d) Leaving a fire without completely extinguishing it.
(e) Allowing a fire to escape from control.
(f) Building, attending, maintaining, or using a campfire without
removing all flammable material from around the campfire adequate to
prevent its escape.
Sec.261.52 Fire.
When provided by an order, the following are prohibited:
(a) Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire.
Thank you, dave54, for the official language.
Sorry to have started such a ruckus! 
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~DJ~
Boise, Idaho
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Don't sweat it. Even though I have tried to spell things out very clearly on different subjects/opinions I still get misinterpreted at times. It happens a lot on forums. And once someone gets an opinion of your post it is hard as heck to convince them otherwise that it was not the way you meant it. You ever want to see some heated threads go to Tow Vehicles. 
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M-14 was the only Woodstock I saw in 1969.
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RevLeonidas
Oregon
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Joined: 09/17/2007
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New2RVees wrote:...talked to a Ranger about their usage - and what their "take" was on it.
Seems like the general vote is "yes."
Thanks for all your replies!
...for what it's worth, I'm a retired second generation, "Ranger" (US Forest Service employee). However, if you'd like a current Ranger's opinion on the matter, contact your local USFS office, request to speak to a "Prevention Officer," and ask that person what his/her opinion on fire-bowls and the like.
Be Well,
Rev. Leonidas
...I have a lurking suspicion that Leonidas W. Smiley is a myth; that my friend never knew such a personage...
--Mark Twain
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tailgater
Cape Cod
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Joined: 08/10/2003
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A little off subject, but I wish all campers were as diligent as New2 is.
Even in local state forests I often see sites where the group is in for the night and their campfire is still going.
Sure, there isn't a fire ban, but that's just irresponsible in my opinion.
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bill h
el segundo
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I always ask the ranger. Some say no open fires. Some say no ground fires. Some say no wood fires. Some say no charcoal, even. Conditions change, so regardless of what the rules were last time, I check. We like to use our screen-enclosed Coleman firepit, so I show them a picture of it before we even unpack it.
Bill and Susan
84 Barth 30 tag powered by ht502/Thorley, Gear Vendors OD
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iflych52
Helena, MT
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California Campfire permit.... Hummm, I think I will pass on making a comment.
07 Dodge 3500 5.9CTD Mega DRW
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SOLD: 06 Dodge 2500 CTD QC SB, Edge Juice W/Attitude, PacBrake, Prodigy
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