We all know never to leave a campfire burning unattended, but are you aware that campfire rings are not allowed in the Sawtooth Wilderness?
The options that must be used in the wilderness are a fire pan or a fire blanket. A fire blanket can be purchased at the Sawtooth NRA headquarters north of Ketchum and any sturdy (not flimsy) kitchen pan can be used as a fire pan.
When using a fire pan, first gather firewood small enough that you can break it in your hands. It will burn down to ash instead of leaving scarred wood. Gather wood that is dead and lying on the ground rather than cut or break branches. Place your sturdy metal fire pan on top of rocks so that it is raised several inches above the ground. Have a small fire and enjoy.
If you choose the fire blanket, place 6 inches of mineral soil (no woody debris or large rocks) on top of your fire blanket to protect it. Make an indentation on top, forming a caldera for the ash to remain. Have a small fire and enjoy.
Make sure to let the fire burn down to white ash. Drown it with water, stir it, and feel it to make sure the fire is out cold. Disperse the ash away from camp, any water source and the trail.
Finally, return the rocks from the fire pan or the mineral soil from the fire blanket to where you found it.
For a wilderness education program or information on where campfires are not allowed, contact the Stanley Ranger Station at (208) 774-3000.
To prepare for wildfire before it becomes a threat, visit www.firewise.org. To report a wildfire, call (800) 974-2373.
For wildfire-related questions, please e-mail merdie@fs.fed.us.
—Michelle Erdie
Michelle Erdie is the Sawtooth National Forest North Zone fire prevention and education specialist.
