Ok, I called Fort Wilderness Campgrounds to ask to be sure.
one thing I've learned in business is, when you talk to someone who clearly sounds like they dont know the answer, they probably dont.
i called earlier and spoke with a lady who nicely told me that fires are allowed in fire pits but that they must be covered with mesh topping. She clearly sounded unsure of herself.
I called back and spoke with Matthew who not only looked up the policy but was very sure of himself and even told me he's "very familiar" with the policy and that he apologized as my previous associate is mistaken.
According to Matthew:
Fire pit rules are very strict and no fire pits are allowed unless they are FULLY ENCASED, basically like a stove, where zero embers can escape. His own words were "its almost not worth even bothering with them because they're so big".
So this helps me, and may help anyone else who searches this topic.
You CANNOT use firepits even with mesh toppings.
Also, if you do call and ask questions like these, you may want to make a follow-up call to ensure you got the correct answer the first time.
You are right that it's hard to get accurate information about FW rules over the phone.
That's because the rules aren't clear, and conflict with each other.
The official policy set forth in the material you get at check in says this (look in the Public Notices column):
But, although the Public Notices don't state so, fires in enclosed fire pits have been allowed at the Fort for years.
Here's a copy of a rather obtuse letter I received in my check in materials back in October, 2008:
You would think something this important would be handed out to everyone checking in every time. But, I have never received this particular hand out before or since.
For what it's worth, the same NO CAMPFIRES warning has been posted on the 1500/1600 loop comfort station bulletin board for over a year, whether it has rained or not. And, even when the NO CAMPFIRES warning is posted, I have seen lots of folks with campfires in all kinds of fire pits.
And, I have a friend who has a nice gas campfire. He has used it at the Fort, and has even received compliments on it from the castmember in charge of checking for campfire violations. But the hand-out I posted a copy of above says that gas campfires are not allowed.
The truth of the matter, as stated by AuburnJen, is that if you have a fire pit with a mesh top, no one is going to stop you from enjoying a small fire in it at your site.
TCD
