Connecticut and campfires

[grizzly mattams]

I know the rules state no campfires in any CT camp sites on the AT but does that really hold up? Haven't done any overnight yet in CT AT but wondered if hikers still made campfires when appropriate conditions are present.

I passed thru Caesar Brook Campsite recently and saw a pretty substantial rock fire pit that looked like it had been used often and recently but that the only place I recall a fire pit.

[KMACK]

You will find that at all or most CT sites. I did not nor have I seen anyone making the fires but obviously it happens.

[Deb]

I passed thru Caesar Brook Campsite recently and saw a pretty substantial rock fire pit that looked like it had been used often and recently but that the only place I recall a fire pit.

The ridgerunners will dismantle it as soon as they find it.
No fires are allowed on the AT in Connecticut.
If you absolutely must have a fire, please consider hiking somewhere where they're legal.

[grizzly mattams]

I don't have a need for a fire just was just curious. Headlamp and a gas stove is all I need. Also not a fan of collecting fire wood after 10 mile hike.

[JAK]

The ridgerunners will dismantle it as soon as they find it.
No fires are allowed on the AT in Connecticut.
If you absolutely must have a fire, please consider hiking somewhere where they're legal.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4SE1AEd2NqM

[snowhoe]

They usally have a fire ban in Colorado and it does kinda suck. Because that is the time to sit around and talk bull with your buddies after a long day of hitting the trail. G-Man has this lantern that screws on to a fuel canister that we all sit around. Its actually pretty cool little lantern. Weighs about 6 ounces.

[sly dog]

When I did CT I wanted so bad to have a fire but followed the rules and didn't, same with NJ.

[MOWGLI]

When I did CT I wanted so bad to have a fire but followed the rules and didn't, same with NJ.

Good job! Throw that dog a bone.

[Tin Man]

When I did CT I wanted so bad to have a fire but followed the rules and didn't, same with NJ.

It's interesting that NY is sandwiched between CT and NJ AND NY allows fires. It is also interesting that I have found many fire pits in NJ and I saw no trash or issue with them. It would seem CT cleans up quickly after a fire ring is created. I really don't see what the problem is with fire rings, but whatever, CT and NJ are relatively shorter hikes.

[snowhoe]

Its just sometime to dangerous to have a fire. Plus there are some idiots who think they have to build a fire that the space shuttle can see.

[wild dogs]

I maintain a section of trail in Salisbury Ct. The AT is clearly marked "No Fires Only Stoves". Several of the shelters have posted inside why no fires are allowed in Connecticut. I am not going to list all of them here. The section of trail that goes thru the northwestern part of the state gets used by by a lot of hikers and campers. The Connecticut AMC chapter - which I belong - makes every effort to keep the area as natural looking as possible so everyone can enjoy it for years to come. Campfires typically make camping areas look over used and trashy. I have not seen the remains of a camp fire that did not contain trash. The area surrounding the fire ring generally contains litter. From what I understand the primary reason for no fires is the concern that a forest fire could be started.
The times that I caught people making a fire , I told them that fires were not allowed. They generally give a dumb look. I think to myself that the turons can't read , just don't care or have no clue what leave no trace means. There were a few times when when I have been short with fire makers - sorry - sometimes it's hard to be nice after doing hard trail work then finding people leaving a mess for me to clean up like their personal janitor. When a maintainer finds evidence of a campfire the following is suggested to discourage more campfires and keep the area natural looking: Remove burnt rocks and place them charred side down in the woods. Better to put in water where they cannot be seen , Remove all burned and un-burned trash from coals. Pack out and dispose of properly ,
bury cold coals or put in stream in not too visable location. Yes a lot of work.

[emerald]

...bury cold coals or put in stream in not too visable location.

Thank you for all you do especially your efforts to educate people as to the rationale for prohibiting fires.

I've got to ask one question though. Just who's recommending disposing of and concealing coals in streams?

[Lemni Skate]

First of all...I enjoy campfires...I like sitting around and talking trail.

Second of all...I never make them when backpacking...I hate gathering wood and pretty much can't start one without a flame thrower and a 5 gallon can of gasoline.

Third of all...I really wouldn't put the coals in a stream.

Fourth of all...Obey the rules, people. CT doesn't have the hundreds of thousands of square miles of back country that some states have. We need to preserve it, and if that's what needs to be done then I'm all for it.

[Pedaling Fool]

...Fourth of all...Obey the rules, people. CT doesn't have the hundreds of thousands of square miles of back country that some states have. We need to preserve it, and if that's what needs to be done then I'm all for it.

What does that have to do with a fire ban in Ct? DID YOU KNOW fires are made with dead trees. Maybe that's why you have a problem starting a fire.

[Tin Man]

Thank you for all you do especially your efforts to educate people as to the rationale for prohibiting fires.

I've got to ask one question though. Just who's recommending disposing of and concealing coals in streams?

Actually, rafting companies in Alaska will build a large cooking fire on a sheet of steel and dump it in the river claiming it is the mostly environmentally friendly way of disposing the ashes AND they are required to as part of their permits to use the rivers.

[Pedaling Fool]

...Campfires typically make camping areas look over used and trashy. I have not seen the remains of a camp fire that did not contain trash. The area surrounding the fire ring generally contains litter. From what I understand the primary reason for no fires is the concern that a forest fire could be started...

One could say the same thing about shelters; I've never seen a shelter that did not contain trash, not to mention the rodents it attracts.

As for the fire prevention angle, is this a statewide ban of campers building fires, or just a statewide ban on the AT thru Connecticut?

[emerald]

I hope the post above related to shelters is intended to encourage people to pick up after themselves.

Shelters don't attract rodents. Food smells, scraps and crumbs left behind by hikers draw them. Anyone who hikes off-season knows it's so. When the hikers are gone, they quickly move on to where they can find food to eat.

[emerald]

Can someone post the exact language of the rule or a readable image of the sign mentioned? A link to the land management agency's website where this rule is published would be a handy thing to have now and for future reference.

[The Snowman]

fire ban is state wide in Conn. the law was however modified to allow campfires at devoloped campgrounds both public and private. the AT does not fall under the exception

[Soon Man]

fire ban is state wide in Conn. the law was however modified to allow campfires at devoloped campgrounds both public and private. the AT does not fall under the exception

This is true. Car camped a month ago at Macedonia Brook State Park near Kent, CT and about 3-5 miles from AT. My son and I had fires in the fire ring both nights.