Doug Beckers
Words by Tom Severin
Summer is here and for most of the country that equals fire restrictions. While these restrictions seem to put a crimp in your camping, they're really just a minor inconvenience. You still get to enjoy the outdoors - just in a different style.
During these periods, campfires and charcoal grilling are banned except in designated areas. Even though bans are an annual occurrence, many campers forget - they get all the way to the campground only to find the area is under a fire restriction.
Liquid fuel provides the answer
The get-around solution lies in liquid fuel. Most people use propane, but camp fuel (often called white gas) is also an option. In lieu of a charcoal grill, you can use a gas-fired camp stove or grill. The Dutch oven can be replaced with saucepans and, for some dishes, a pressure cooker. You can cook just about anything you normally would.
I take a Char-Broil Gas Tabletop Grill (model 465133010) to use for grilling steaks, hamburgers, and hotdogs. These are so cheap that you might be tempted to buy a new one instead of just cleaning it. I removed the side handles for more compact packing.
Accessories for the stove broaden your cooking possibilities. I have the nifty Coleman Camping Oven. It's a metal box that sits on the gas stove and works great for baking a few potatoes, heating up appetizers, and warming up Cinnabons. The box folds up when not in use so it takes up very little space.
Char-Broil
Gas Grill
Camp Fires
The biggest challenge you'll notice during a fire restriction involves the campfire. Or lack thereof. (Assuming you're not at a designated campsite.) Thankfully, there are propane options available to you. That's right: a campfire fueled by propane.
I have a propane campfire pit made by Camp Chef (model GCLOG), and I really like it. At 40 cm (16") wide, the pit sports a sturdy base and comes with a supply of lava rocks. They produce a very natural-looking fire. The pit is about 15 cm (6") high when it is in the provided carrying case. The best part about this psuedo campfire is the lack of smoke. No matter which way the wind blows, there are no stinging eyes or noses. At the right setting, you can enjoy a sociable campfire. Turn it up for more heat, but realize that you'll burn through your propane quickly. A 5 kg (2.5 gallon) tank might get you through a weekend, but a 9 kg (5 gallons) tank is better. Pack an extra tank for insurance.
My fire pit uses about one gallon of fuel each night running at a low to medium flame. After one weekend you'll have a pretty good idea of how much fuel you burn, which will help you decide how much to bring next time.
What if you don't have a propane unit? Place a lantern in the campfire pit and crank up the light. I know that sounds kitschy, but at least you and the gang have somewhere to congregate and chat. Those campfire bull sessions are so valuable. My feeling is that if you have a group, you have to have a campfire, even if it isn't a true campfire.
Packing for fire restrictions
When fire restrictions are in place, it is time to switch gears. You won't be taking the Dutch oven, charcoal grill, briquettes, and firewood. Instead, you'll pack the gas fire pit, camp stove, propane BBQ grill, other liquid fuel appliances, and the necessary fuel.
Propane tanks can be carried inside or outside the vehicle. I bolt a 5 kg (11 lbs) tank onto the tire carrier with a quality bracket from Power Tank.
Due to the dry conditions, you should have also carry a fire extinguisher, shovel, and water.
Fire restrictions are common across Canada and the USA. The right gear and mindset will allow you to enjoy a fun camping trip regardless.
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Camp Chef
Camp Chef firepit
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Camp Oven
Coleman Camp Oven
Tom Severin, 4x4 Coach, teaches 4WD owners how to confidently and safely use their vehicles to the fullest extent in difficult terrain and adverse driving conditions. Visit www.4x4training.com to develop or improve your driving skill.
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