Are alcohol stoves included in fire restrictions?

[macarthur]

I was planning on using a homemade alcohol stove in Kaibab NF this weekend but fire restrictions go in effect on Wednesday. Are these type of stoves included in the ban? I called the number listed and the recording was the same as the press release. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

[Jim]

Alcohol stoves are questionable unless UL approved.

http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/news/2 ... ions.shtml

Officials with the Coconino, Kaibab, and Prescott National Forests will implement fire restrictions on Wednesday, June 23 across the three forests. Due to high fire danger, these restrictions are deemed necessary to protect public health and safety and prevent human-caused wildfires.

The restrictions will prohibit fires, campfires, charcoal, coal or wood stoves outside of developed campgrounds and limit smoking to within enclosed vehicles or buildings or in developed campgrounds. Pressurized liquid or gas stoves, lanterns, and heaters meeting safety specifications will continue to be allowed.

In addition, campfires are not allowed at the designated dispersed camp sites within the Prescott Basin on the Prescott National Forest. Metal posts identify designated dispersed sites with a number.

Please remember the following campfire safety:

* Make a fire only if you have a shovel and sufficient water to put it out. Never leave your campfire unattended.
* Avoid making a campfire during the windy part of the day. Winds usually diminish at night when a campfire is welcome. Keep your campfire as small as practical.
* To make sure your campfire is out, drown with water and stir with dirt, making sure all burned materials are extinguished. Feel with your hand to make sure it’s out cold.

The fire restrictions will remain in place until the Forests receive significant precipitation. Violation of the prohibitions is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000, imprisonment for not more than six months, or both. Fireworks are always prohibited on National Forest land.

For additional information on fire restrictions on the Coconino National Forest, please call (928) 527-3600, on the Kaibab, call (928)-635-8311 and on the Prescott, call 928-777-5799 or (928) 443-8000. For additional information about fire restrictions on public lands in Arizona and New Mexico, call toll free 1-877-864-6985 or visit http://gacc.nifc.gov/swcc/.

[big_load]

The bans usually nix alcohol stoves. I bring a canister stove in case I get hit with a last-minute ban. Fortunately, I can usually leave that one in the car.

[VVebb]

I agree that the alcohol stove should stay at home. For one, the Kaibab N.F. release says that "pressurized liquid or gas stoves, lanterns, and heaters meeting safety specifications" are OK. Having not seen your homemade stove, I would guess that the fuel is not pressurized and it hasn't been formally tested for safety, so it would fail on both counts.

Plus, with the Schultz Fire devouring AZ's fire-fighting resources, we outdoor recreationists need to err on the side of safety. I'm actually camping in the same area this weekend, and will be using a Coleman stove that screws onto the standard size Coleman propane bottle.

[Jeffshadows]

Reminds me of the old kerosene ones. I can tell a few stories about people spilling them while filing and setting part of the campsite alight...

[dysfunction]

@jeffmacewen
I ummm... once did that with a white gas stove.. a Whisperlite to be precise.

[PLC92084]

@dysfunction

I've had my Whisperlite flare up a few times where the flames were lapping menacingly close to the fuel bottle (makes me wonder why the hose isn't a bit longer)... Now I pay close attention to which way the wind currents are moving and/or use the shields that came with it!