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Campfires

PostPosted: Wed Sep 28, 2016 10:27 am
by Soonernation
So the ranger told us we could build a fire if we wanted below a certain elevation as long as we used a "Ranger Maintained" fire ring. The picture below shows the fire ring, of which there were several, located in the area we were camping near Sunrise creek. How can you tell ranger approved from non-ranger approved?

Image

Re: Campfires

PostPosted: Wed Sep 28, 2016 11:43 am
by balzaccom
The rangers in Yosemite (and other national parks) are in the process of destroying many of the "creative" fire rings that backpackers have built throughout the park. Seems like every time I hike there I see more of these rings.

But if you are in an established camping area in the backcountry, and there is a fire ring that is clearly operational, that's what they mean.

If the fire ring has been damaged or destroyed (often by stacking the stones on top of each other so that the ring in no longer functional) then please do not try to re-build or re-establish that fire ring.

Re: Campfires

PostPosted: Wed Sep 28, 2016 11:53 am
by Phil
Sometimes it's hard to tell, because different people build different quality fire rings (most have no clue). That one is "ranger-maintained" or "approved". It's smaller, generally well-built and established, surrounded by seating and cleared of vegetation, at the right altitude, in an area that's well-traveled and used, and regularly patrolled. They'll miss a few, but not if they catch them. If they're not legal or legit, they get kicked down pretty fast. Usually at least annually. It's sort of an early season crusade for them. Aside from those criteria, I guess that the best way to tell is if it makes sense and will serve the needs of many and not just one, it's good.