Leave No Trace: Principle 5 - Minimize Campfire Impacts

January 31, 2023

Author: Tina Eckerlin

If you have been following our blog the last few weeks, you know that we decided to start 2023 with purpose! We decided to celebrate the New Year with a 7 week focused blog series on the 7 Leave No Trace Principles.

You probably already know that we are passionate about Leave No Trace (LNT). So much, that we partnered with Leave No Trace Canada to help promote, educate and advocate for good land stewardship.

If you are new to LNT, there are 7 Principles. These are principles and not rules. They are guidelines, advice, and a methodology to lessen our impact on the natural world. With some practice, they can become second nature and a way of life.

Even if you are well versed in the 7 Principles, there is always room for improvement. Here at Terrain UL, we are trying to bring our LNT practices to the next level. We can always do better!

This week we will be exploring Principle 5. If you missed our last blogpost, you should check out Principle 4- Leave What You Find!

Leave No Trace

Principle 5 - Minimize Campfire Impacts

Did you know that according to the Canadian National Fire Database (CNFDB), 'over 8000 fires occur each year, and burn an average of over 2.1 million hectares' here in Canada. It is estimated that half of this amount is due to lightening strikes, and the remaining half is due to human behaviour.

Everyone loves a good campfire! Whether you are sitting around roasting marshmallows or cooking, singing songs or are just trying to warm up, there are are some basic practices that need to be adhered to.

Cooking

Campfires can cause lasting impacts: opt for cooking on a portable stove
When choosing a portable stove, make sure to check with land managers what fuel sources are permitted. For instance, alcohol stoves and portable fire boxes are often not allowed during a fire ban
Place barbecues, fire boxes and portable stoves on durable surfaces, such as: rocks, concrete, bricks, gravel or sand to avoid burning the ground

Portable camp stoves are a great alternative to cooking on a fire. Most are lightweight and can be extinguished quickly. They also work in most weather conditions. They have a low impact on the immediate environment.

Open Fires

Protect soil and roots from burning
If open fires are allowed, use designated locations. Keeping fires small
Follow the rules. Check if fires are allowed. You can be fined for a campfire during a fire ban. Even worse, you could be responsible for a forest fire
If campfires are allowed, use your judgement!

Is there a designated fire area?
Are there high winds?
Extreme drought?
Do you have the time and resources to invest in extinguishing a fire properly?
Do you really need to make a fire?

If wood collection is allowed, burn only dead wood that is collected from the ground and can be broken up by hand
Can you collect dead wood without disturbing the area around you?
Never burn garbage
Do not move wood from site to site

Always consider the impact your fire will have. Perhaps a fire box, fire pan or wood stove could serve your purposes. Campfire evidence can last for years, especially scorched rocks.

Extinguishing Your Fire

Allow pieces of wood and embers to reduce to ash
Drown fire with water and stir
Drown again and stir, breaking up any larger parts with gloved hands
Feel coals, embers or remaining wood. Don't forget to soak the fire ring! If anything still feels hot, drown and stir again.
Check area for any stray sparks or embers
If any parts of your fire still feel hot, it is too hot to leave the area
Are you required to pack out your campfire ashes

Before heading out, it is your responsibility to learn the guidelines in the area. Talk to the park land managers about fire bans, rules and wood transportation.

Too many of our backcountry wildfires could easily be avoided with good Leave No Trace practices. Don't be the cause!