Minimize Fire Impact: Leave No Trace Principle #5
Campfires are so wonderful. They’re the reason so many of us even choose to camp. However, with current drought conditions in the West, it’s imperative to be fire smart when camping.
Minimize Fire Impacts is Principle #5 of Leave No Trace’s 7 Principles, but what does that even mean?
There are several steps to consider when minimizing fire impact and Leave No Trace outlines all of them in their article, Principle 5: Minimize Campfire Impacts.
Before you head out to camp and ready yourself for a campfire, PLEASE read this article thoroughly as you definitely don’t want to be responsible for any fire damage, especially the start of a wildfire.
Principle 5: Minimize Campfire Impacts
Fires vs. Stoves: The use of campfires, once a necessity for cooking and warmth, is steeped in history and tradition. Some people would not think of camping without a campfire. Yet, the natural appearance of many areas has been degraded by the overuse of fires and an increasing demand for firewood. The development of lightweight efficient camp stoves has encouraged a shift away from the traditional fire for cooking. Stoves have become essential equipment for minimum-impact camping. They are fast, flexible and eliminate firewood availability as a concern in campsite selection. Stoves operate in almost any weather condition—and they Leave No Trace.
© 1999 by the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics: www.LNT.org
In Partnership with Leave No Trace and the Colorado Office of Tourism / Care for Colorado program.
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