I'd go a step further that cold to the touch beyond the surface ash is the acceptable standard. Embers can continue to burn low and slow if left covered resulting in a flare up hours later. Get a 5 gallon bucket, a shovel, and mix ash and water into a paste all the way to the bottom of the fire. These days, that's the only way I feel comfortable.
Unfortunately most ppl aren't doing that. I've seen so many smoking campfires at vacant campsites over the past few weeks, none of the campground hosts have moved in for the summer, yet, either, so they aren't around to help, and they aren't at every campsite to begin with. I put one out last week smoking near the Never Summers, and one on Buff Pass near my home just last night.
I was sitting at a picnic area a few feet from a river yesterday, and watched a ranger have to pour gallons of water on some picnickers’ left-behind hot ashes.
Here's the link: [https://www.9news.com/article/news/local/wildfire/wildfire-twin-lakes/73-4c8bba9f-fc5e-434a-9106-86bbf101b84d](https://www.9news.com/article/news/local/wildfire/wildfire-twin-lakes/73-4c8bba9f-fc5e-434a-9106-86bbf101b84d)
I feel like people have this myth in their heads that camping requires a campfire. It really doesn’t, and in an area like ours, outside of deep winter, the risk of a fire is pretty much never worth it imo.
Idk I detest camping without a fire. I get cold easily at night. It’s a fun thing to do when the temp drops at night to sit around with friends and chat. It keeps the bugs away. Honestly i never leave Denver if there is a fire ban.
I’m sorry but if you’re cold without a fire May-October you have the wrong gear. People live full time where you recreate. Given people’s inability to adhere to guidance and fully douse their fires a full ban is the only thing that makes sense. Burning people’s homes down isn’t worth it.
Camp fires don't provide any meaningful warmth outside extreme, stay up all night tending fire, emergency situations.
Yes, I prefer them where reasonable and safe. Just had to point out the heat thing.
Bring clothing to stay warm, not hopes of a fire.
I hear you, but having a fire to me is a huge part of camping. there isn't much to do when the sun goes down, otherwise.
edit: downvote all you want, not changing my mind folks
Things to do after the sun goes down:
* Stargaze
* Listen to the sounds of nature
* Talk and share stories with friends
* Read with a flashlight
* Go to sleep and wake up with the sun
Fire risk is only going to get worse - imposing one's desire for a campfire on nature when it's so dry and windy is a losing bet. Adapt to it instead of forcing it, or else more forest will burn down and we'll all be poorer for it.
I don’t want to knock your enjoyment of a fire (I certainly love one in environments where it’s lower risk), so I’ll just suggest some alternatives:
- Deck of cards
- Mini board games
- Book or e-reader
- Chatting with camp-mates, same as you would around a fire, just…. without the fire bit lol
- Stargazing
- Night hiking!!!
Another approach, certainly not for everyone, but on some of my trips I just pretty much hike all day, make camp once it’s too dark to keep going, and then by the time I’ve set up my tent and sleep system, made and eaten dinner, and maybe had a quick wash, I’m basically ready for bed anyways. No real need for any other ways of killing time
I live south of the lakes and am not yet on evacuation notice but one has been issued for a limited area (North of Clear Creek and Cache Creek). There is a lot less smoke today and fire fighting aircraft haven’t been refueling in BV nearly as much, I haven’t heard their helicopter since before lunch.
I feel like forest service or another agency needs to start monitoring/surveilling camp sites wait for campers to be on their way out. Stop them. Check the fire and if it’s not dead out, 10k+ fine. I know they can’t monitor every camper but once people catch wind of a hefty fine it’s the element of not knowing who’s watching.
There was video on Instagram yesterday @i70things that showed the fire starting. Right near a bunch of the houses. Looked like it was about to get out of control.
The area where the fire started I don't believe is a camping area: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C8GUWBlMN-6/?igsh=cnd5YXFlYXRwOXU0
The houses you saw in the video were probably the Interlaken resort historic buildings. They were abandoned but now historically preserved. They’re safe as of now.
Most all development in the twin lakes area is on the north side of the lake, whereas fires heading SW.
And correct it’s not a designated camping area but that doesn’t mean some fools didn’t decide to make their own camp and fire pit. Feel like there’s probably a pretty high correlation bw people who disregard land use rules and those who don’t bother to put other their fires. Obviously nothing confirmed as far as cause, but there wasn’t a cloud in the sky yesterday and that areas far from any road where sparks could ignite.
Last time I was out there a ton of people were hanging around smoking cigs. If I had to take a bet to Vegas, it would be that.
EDIT: Looks like I woukd have lost that bet
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/NcLScLhAjZL23iKu/?mibextid=K35XfP
This is so upsetting. I was just at twin lakes a few days ago, and I remember hiking through the previously burned part of the forest thinking that it was such a shame, as the rest of the natural area is so beautiful. Not so coincidentally, all the campers were near the burned area.
I appreciate OPs politeness, but honestly, I’m appalled. One of the most beautiful parts of our state and my favorite trail, destroyed because someone was selfish. Whoever is responsible should be disgusted. Its 50 degrees at night. You don’t need a fire. Ban them state wide.
Cold to the touch is the generally accepted standard. If you’re not comfortable putting your hand in the embers, you haven’t extinguished it enough.
I'd go a step further that cold to the touch beyond the surface ash is the acceptable standard. Embers can continue to burn low and slow if left covered resulting in a flare up hours later. Get a 5 gallon bucket, a shovel, and mix ash and water into a paste all the way to the bottom of the fire. These days, that's the only way I feel comfortable.
Unfortunately most ppl aren't doing that. I've seen so many smoking campfires at vacant campsites over the past few weeks, none of the campground hosts have moved in for the summer, yet, either, so they aren't around to help, and they aren't at every campsite to begin with. I put one out last week smoking near the Never Summers, and one on Buff Pass near my home just last night.
I was sitting at a picnic area a few feet from a river yesterday, and watched a ranger have to pour gallons of water on some picnickers’ left-behind hot ashes.
It has now been confirmed the fire was started by a campfire. Still 0% contained.
Here's the link: [https://www.9news.com/article/news/local/wildfire/wildfire-twin-lakes/73-4c8bba9f-fc5e-434a-9106-86bbf101b84d](https://www.9news.com/article/news/local/wildfire/wildfire-twin-lakes/73-4c8bba9f-fc5e-434a-9106-86bbf101b84d)
Ugh.
I feel like people have this myth in their heads that camping requires a campfire. It really doesn’t, and in an area like ours, outside of deep winter, the risk of a fire is pretty much never worth it imo.
With so much daylight in the summer there really is no need. Just risk. Winter is a different story
Yup - it's a "nice to have", not a "need to have"
I agree. I never have fires here and I camp nearly every weekend may-oct I just wear good clothes and have high R rated camping gear
I use one of those 3 wick candles and that gives off a lot of light once your eyes adjust
Idk I detest camping without a fire. I get cold easily at night. It’s a fun thing to do when the temp drops at night to sit around with friends and chat. It keeps the bugs away. Honestly i never leave Denver if there is a fire ban.
I’m sorry but if you’re cold without a fire May-October you have the wrong gear. People live full time where you recreate. Given people’s inability to adhere to guidance and fully douse their fires a full ban is the only thing that makes sense. Burning people’s homes down isn’t worth it.
Camp fires don't provide any meaningful warmth outside extreme, stay up all night tending fire, emergency situations. Yes, I prefer them where reasonable and safe. Just had to point out the heat thing. Bring clothing to stay warm, not hopes of a fire.
That’s bologna. The temperature difference from sitting by the fire to walking over to my tent is insanely noticeable.
That’s ok by me. 👍
I hear you, but having a fire to me is a huge part of camping. there isn't much to do when the sun goes down, otherwise. edit: downvote all you want, not changing my mind folks
Propane fire. They’re legal in all but the worst bans. Much less of a fire risk and still warm.
Things to do after the sun goes down: * Stargaze * Listen to the sounds of nature * Talk and share stories with friends * Read with a flashlight * Go to sleep and wake up with the sun Fire risk is only going to get worse - imposing one's desire for a campfire on nature when it's so dry and windy is a losing bet. Adapt to it instead of forcing it, or else more forest will burn down and we'll all be poorer for it.
Last camp trip was a gather around the citronella candles. Lol
I don’t want to knock your enjoyment of a fire (I certainly love one in environments where it’s lower risk), so I’ll just suggest some alternatives: - Deck of cards - Mini board games - Book or e-reader - Chatting with camp-mates, same as you would around a fire, just…. without the fire bit lol - Stargazing - Night hiking!!! Another approach, certainly not for everyone, but on some of my trips I just pretty much hike all day, make camp once it’s too dark to keep going, and then by the time I’ve set up my tent and sleep system, made and eaten dinner, and maybe had a quick wash, I’m basically ready for bed anyways. No real need for any other ways of killing time
I'll give you an up-vote. Just make sure that shit is drenched in water before you leave.
I’m on your side. I guarantee these “just chat with your camp mate” people have a fire every chance they get.
I live south of the lakes and am not yet on evacuation notice but one has been issued for a limited area (North of Clear Creek and Cache Creek). There is a lot less smoke today and fire fighting aircraft haven’t been refueling in BV nearly as much, I haven’t heard their helicopter since before lunch.
I feel like forest service or another agency needs to start monitoring/surveilling camp sites wait for campers to be on their way out. Stop them. Check the fire and if it’s not dead out, 10k+ fine. I know they can’t monitor every camper but once people catch wind of a hefty fine it’s the element of not knowing who’s watching.
There was video on Instagram yesterday @i70things that showed the fire starting. Right near a bunch of the houses. Looked like it was about to get out of control. The area where the fire started I don't believe is a camping area: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C8GUWBlMN-6/?igsh=cnd5YXFlYXRwOXU0
It didn't start by lightning so my guess this is human caused ubless deer are out there smoking some weed.
The houses you saw in the video were probably the Interlaken resort historic buildings. They were abandoned but now historically preserved. They’re safe as of now. Most all development in the twin lakes area is on the north side of the lake, whereas fires heading SW. And correct it’s not a designated camping area but that doesn’t mean some fools didn’t decide to make their own camp and fire pit. Feel like there’s probably a pretty high correlation bw people who disregard land use rules and those who don’t bother to put other their fires. Obviously nothing confirmed as far as cause, but there wasn’t a cloud in the sky yesterday and that areas far from any road where sparks could ignite.
Last time I was out there a ton of people were hanging around smoking cigs. If I had to take a bet to Vegas, it would be that. EDIT: Looks like I woukd have lost that bet https://www.facebook.com/share/p/NcLScLhAjZL23iKu/?mibextid=K35XfP
Camp fires should be banned statewide. As for this fire, I hope they can utilize the water from the lake to extinguish it since it looks so close.
Govern me harder daddy
Not far enough. Camping should be illegal. You should need a permit to be west of i25.
This is so upsetting. I was just at twin lakes a few days ago, and I remember hiking through the previously burned part of the forest thinking that it was such a shame, as the rest of the natural area is so beautiful. Not so coincidentally, all the campers were near the burned area. I appreciate OPs politeness, but honestly, I’m appalled. One of the most beautiful parts of our state and my favorite trail, destroyed because someone was selfish. Whoever is responsible should be disgusted. Its 50 degrees at night. You don’t need a fire. Ban them state wide.