Fire Pits

[MMLong3996]

OK, what's the latest on FW allowing fire pits at the campsites? I've seen posts before where people have said, "...this is what I have...and this is what FW allows." Is there a way I can e-mail a CM a picture of mine and check for allowance? It is completely enclosed with a metal screen, etc. and I've heard they will let you use this type. HELP!

We leave Friday for a week's stay and I'd be thrilled if we could take ours. I'm not a fan of the nightly campfire...for various reasons.

 

[campingcorgi]

The latest printed info from FW states that you can use enclosed firepits. However, when we were there last they had signs posted at the comfort station bulletin boards requesting no fires due to the dry conditions. We have gotten some good rain in the past week or so though, so I'd expect that enclosed firepits would be fine to use again.

 

[MMLong3996]

The latest printed info from FW states that you can use enclosed firepits. However, when we were there last they had signs posted at the comfort station bulletin boards requesting no fires due to the dry conditions. We have gotten some good rain in the past week or so though, so I'd expect that enclosed firepits would be fine to use again.

This was my assumption, too. With the rain we've had here this past week and what we're expected this week, it won't be too dry. LOL I think I'll call the desk on Friday before we drive over just in case.

Thanks!

 

[Minnie's Mate]

We leave Friday for a week's stay and I'd be thrilled if we could take ours. I'm not a fan of the nightly campfire...for various reasons.

I'm confused, if you aren't a fan of "the nightly campfire", why bother? Tell your family you can't have one because of the draught.

 

[UrsulasShadow]

I think the OP was referring to the group campfire FW holds at night.

 

[MMLong3996]

I think the OP was referring to the group campfire FW holds at night.

And you are correct. I'm sorry I wasn't clear. I am not a fan of the FW nightly campfire. We'll go for a short time, sometimes, but I'd rather be at my own camp site.

 

[Minnie's Mate]

Oh, sorry. I said I was confused. We will be at Ft. Wilderness over the week end of the 4th and it is just too hot for us to have a camp fire. Having said that, we are planning on taking the kids to the sing-along and smores thing that FW has before the movie. Still too hot for me. I wouldn't do it if it weren't for the kids at this time of year.

 

[VAN]

I'm from Michigan. Here there is a restriction from bringing your own wood into the State Parks for use ... they want you to buy what they have because they know it is disease/pest free. Michigan currently has some sort of thing going around that is distroying a lot of trees (sorry, but can't remember details ... Ash?)

Now, Florida has to be pretty careful about produce crossing into Florida ... I believe they even have agriculture inspections. I would think there would be some restrictions on where the wood comes from as well because of disease/pests that could be brought into state.

Comments?

 

[ftwildernessguy]

That sounds like a pretty reasonable concern to me. I am also worried about less than attentive campers leaving fires unattended or ignoring any bans due to dry conditions.

 

[Rhonda]

We have been getting a lot of rain the past few days, so I assume it's fine to use them again. The fire pit has to be fully enclosed, with sides and a top. A little door in the side is ok to add more wood, or roast a marshmallow, but then it has to be closed again. If security sees you without the top on it, they will make you put it out.

 

[tim5055]

I'm from Michigan. Here there is a restriction from bringing your own wood into the State Parks for use ... they want you to buy what they have because they know it is disease/pest free. Michigan currently has some sort of thing going around that is distroying a lot of trees (sorry, but can't remember details ... Ash?)

It is actually a multi state restriction and is enforced in different ways. Generally any wood you bring into a "QUARANTINE" area has to be burned. Once you stop in a quarantine area while carrying wood (any species) the wood must be destroyed.

For more information check out the Emerald Ash Borer Information Web Page.

If you are going to be traveling through these three states while carrying firewood be sure to check out the quarantine maps (availble on the site above). Like I said the three states rules are slightly different but basically travel through a regulated area must be made without stopping except for refueling or for traffic conditions. Get caught leaving a quarantine area with wood and seizure/fines may be in your future.

 

[MMLong3996]

I'm from Michigan. Here there is a restriction from bringing your own wood into the State Parks for use ... they want you to buy what they have because they know it is disease/pest free. Michigan currently has some sort of thing going around that is distroying a lot of trees (sorry, but can't remember details ... Ash?)

Now, Florida has to be pretty careful about produce crossing into Florida ... I believe they even have agriculture inspections. I would think there would be some restrictions on where the wood comes from as well because of disease/pests that could be brought into state.

Comments?

I'm pretty sure my wood would be okay, as I only live about 50 minutes from FW. My trees are their trees pretty much.

We've had so much rain this week that there won't be a dry spot in the campground, I'm sure!

Thanks for your help everyone! I'm planning on taking ours and will ask a CM about it before using it to be on the safe side.

 

[pjadtl]

I think I'm going to take mine too. That would be fun to do on our own. The last time we went the campfire pits were so packed. A little girl standing next to my DS was flinging her stick around and dropped her marshmallow that was on FIRE on DS's arm. It immediately bubbled up and he still has a scar. He was in so much pain I felt so bad. BTW- the little girls parent's never even came over to apologize or ask if he was OK.

 

[MMLong3996]

I think I'm going to take mine too. That would be fun to do on our own. The last time we went the campfire pits were so packed. A little girl standing next to my DS was flinging her stick around and dropped her marshmallow that was on FIRE on DS's arm. It immediately bubbled up and he still has a scar. He was in so much pain I felt so bad. BTW- the little girls parent's never even came over to apologize or ask if he was OK.

This is one of my reasons for not going to the campfires. Too much unsupervised kids or kids running wild while their parents' watch the movie.

 

[jennifer293]

Ewww sorry about your child. I was thinking of taking our DD's over there for that but I dunno know now..Maybe we should find something else to do!!

 

[pjadtl]

Ewww sorry about your child. I was thinking of taking our DD's over there for that but I dunno know now..Maybe we should find something else to do!!

Don't get me wrong! You should definately go! It's my kid's favorite part of camping still! Just make sure they don't stand too close to everybody. Parents don't ever seem to monitor what's going on over there so just stay close. It's worth it!