What to do during "burn bans" and "no open flames"

[ainley53]

What do you experienced guys (and gals) do when you're camping in NFs and BLMs and there are burn bans or rules against open flames in effect? Can you still use your propane stove during those times? I don't want to cook inside my SUV for fear of attracting a "Yogi" type visitor. I would rather be "at" dinner than "for" dinner. Any other advise on food prep in the boonies would be appreciated.

 

[compassrose]

Camp stove should be okay. An open fire would not be. A gas grill should be okay, but a pit fire would not be. Not sure about charcoal grills. IT should be actual bonfires only. Have you called a local Ranger District or BLM Office and asked?

 

[LeeRevell]

The camp stoves are okay down here.

 

[jimindenver]

You should check in the local area for what the ban means. Here they have different levels of fire ban but usually we are allowed the use of a propane stove or propane fire pit as long as it can be turned off. Each county can be different so check first.

You could get a solar cooker if you are in a sunny local. This one folds up, even the bowls are collapsible.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/SunFlair-So...097?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item20cddd1ed1

 

[SoulRaven]

If you're in Yogi country, be sure to have bear spray and one of those little hand held air horns.

Usually if there's a fire ban, it includes charcoal grills. Campstoves that can be quickly extinguished are normally allowed.

 

[Canine]

I've never been disallowed using my JetBoil. I could see it happening on the most extreme of fire danger, but then they would shut the woods down if it got that bad.

 

[ZoNiE]

As Jimindenver stated, being able to "turn it off" is usually the determining factor. We use a propane fire pit in these instances.

 

[Spaceman Spiff]

What do you experienced guys (and gals) do when you're camping in NFs and BLMs and there are burn bans or rules against open flames in effect?  Can you still use your propane stove during those times?  I don't want to cook inside my SUV for fear of attracting a "Yogi" type visitor.  I would rather be "at" dinner than "for" dinner.  Any other advise on food prep in the boonies would be appreciated.

I call or visit the local managing authority for the NF or BLM land I am using.  I ask and tell them what I am using.  I also keep a fire extinguisher handy (when fire danger is high).

The only 'cooking' I do inside my camper is boiling water for coffee and reconstituting dried foods.  All aromatic cooking is done outside away from the camper.  Also in bear country, be careful handling garbage (including waste water).  I carry a small, sealing metal can to store garbage until it can be disposed of properly.  My beagle is 'prewash' for eliminating food particles in my dish water.  Dish water (with a non-aromatic) biodegradable soap is dumped well away from camp.
When backpacking, I use an Ursack to store food and cook well away from camp (usually a couple of miles away).

In 50+ years of camping in Grizzly country, I have never had an encounter with one.  Other threads argue extensively the pro's and con's of different protections for bears.  The only comment I will make is to make sure whatever defenses you choose, make sure it is always at hand (especially when cooking and eating).

 --Spiff

 

[highdesertranger]

there are different restriction depending on the danger. first goes the open fires, usually charcoal bbq's are included. next level the camp stoves go bye bye, vehicles with catalytic convertors used to banned at this level also(they need to reinstate that one). at the highest level most portable internal combustion engines go(this is when I get out of dodge). highdesertranger

 

[LoupGarou]

For the times I can't have a fire, I light up my Dietz lanterns, they put out a nice warm glow. Toss in some Tiki BiteFighter torch fuel with citronella & cedar and they do double duty keeping the Mosquitos at bay.

http://www.berkeywaterfilters.com/d...L_3hHVrF5UmhjhESJtvgWPa7MRE5y_uOtyBoCLrrw_wcB

 

[Brian_and_Jesse]

We like to carry goats' cheese and shelled walnuts and almonds.  Goats' cheese stays good in the fridge for three months and freezes beautifully for up to a year.  We also carry frozen blueberries, and along with a little salad (either gathered or in prepackaged bags) and a few supplements, we have all we require nutritionally, and no cooking is required.  

Oops!  Forgot to mention hard boiled eggs.  We usually cook up a couple of dozen at a time, which can be done in your van, if you like, as they have no odor and won't attract wildlife.  If you don't have either a solar oven or propane, you can run your engine for five minutes and boil your eggs in a pot on the hot engine.  Works well.    We like to stock 'em in the fridge, as they're so handy to grab when you're hungry, and they'll keep good for three days.

'Course, there's always sushi....

Shalom,

Jesse.

 

[SoulRaven]

For the times I can't have a fire, I light up my Dietz lanterns, they put out a nice warm glow. Toss in some Tiki BiteFighter torch fuel with citronella & cedar and they do double duty keeping the Mosquitos at bay.

http://www.berkeywaterfilters.com/d...L_3hHVrF5UmhjhESJtvgWPa7MRE5y_uOtyBoCLrrw_wcB

Not trying to compare quality, but walmart has some cheapies for like $6.95 that work really good too, with no wait time for delivery.

Also, be careful with citronella, they say it shouldn't be burned indoors...

 

[SoulRaven]

I also like carrying individual sized packages of smoked meat and fish that don't require any refrigeration. Jerky, and jerky style beef/steak bites also fall into this category.