Propane Firepit Restrictions - West Coast
What are the restrictions for a propane firepit on the West Coast? WA, OR and CA have all had some significant fires in the last 2 years so I'd like to get an idea of restrictions before leaving for t...
Forum Discussion
It is possible that even propane campfires are impermissible when boondocking in extreme drought conditions. For example, this is from the Inyo National Forest website, effective May 24, 2021:
Campfires allowed only in fire pits provided in developed campgrounds, see Exhibit A. (That exhibit lists the campgrounds.)
A portable stove or lantern using gas, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel may be used with a valid wilderness permit. Dispersed camping requires a valid CA Campfire Permit for stove or lantern use.
No fireworks.
No smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle, building, a developed recreation site, or in an area at least 3 ft in diameter cleared of flammable material.
So if you classify a propane fire ring as a campfire, that seems to mean that you can't use it at all when boondocking. But if you classify a propane fire ring as a stove, then maybe you can use it, as long as you have a permit?
Personally, speaking as a drought-scarred Californian, we do not have any outdoor flame when boondocking. If you cause a forest fire, you could be ruined financially. And you'd feel bad, too. ;)
Campfires allowed only in fire pits provided in developed campgrounds, see Exhibit A. (That exhibit lists the campgrounds.)
A portable stove or lantern using gas, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel may be used with a valid wilderness permit. Dispersed camping requires a valid CA Campfire Permit for stove or lantern use.
No fireworks.
No smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle, building, a developed recreation site, or in an area at least 3 ft in diameter cleared of flammable material.
So if you classify a propane fire ring as a campfire, that seems to mean that you can't use it at all when boondocking. But if you classify a propane fire ring as a stove, then maybe you can use it, as long as you have a permit?
Personally, speaking as a drought-scarred Californian, we do not have any outdoor flame when boondocking. If you cause a forest fire, you could be ruined financially. And you'd feel bad, too. ;)
