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FIREA Campfire Permit is required year-round
for the use of any type of fire or backpacking stove used outside a developed
campground or picnic area! These
permits are free and are available from any Forest Service office. The
restrictions on types of fire allowed change with the fire danger conditions.
During periods of extreme dryness, cold camping may be required. Please be sure
to check with a Forest Service office or Information Station for current fire
danger information before each trip.
The greatest wildland hazard is fire. Be extremely careful with any type of fire
- one careless act can have devastating affects. If the area you visit permits
wood campfires, keep the following guidelines in mind.
Use a portable stove for cooking, then build a small fire for relaxing. Use only
dead and down wood. Never break branches from standing trees, even if they look
dead. The tree may not be, and breaking branches can injure it. If you use only
a small portion of the available wood, campers who come after you will be able
to enjoy a campfire, too.
To build a fire, first select a level spot away from overhanging trees, bushes,
or dry grass. With your shovel or trowel, clear a large circle to bare dirt.
Hollow out a fire hole, 1 to 3 feet across and 5 to 6 inches deep. Pile the soil
around the edge of the firehole. Keep the fire small and never start a fire in
windy weather. Make sure your fire is dead out when you are ready to leave your
campsite, and return the area to its natural state before you leave.
WATER
and WATER TREATMENTWater from lakes, streams, and springs may be
clear, cold, and free-running. It can look, smell and taste good, but you should
be aware of possible danger.
CRYPTOSPORIDIUM and GIARDIASIS are diseases that may be contracted from drinking
untreated "natural" water. Although incapacitating, they are not
usually life-threatening for people with healthy immune systems. They do,
however, pose a serious threat to people with AIDS or other diseases that weaken
the immune system. Symptoms usually include diarrhea, loss of appetite,
abdominal cramps and bloating. These discomforts may appear a few days to a few
weeks after ingestion, and may last up to 6 weeks.
Most people are unaware that they have been infected and have often returned
home before the onset of symptoms. Other diseases can have similar symptoms, but
if you have drunk untreated water you should suspect cryptosporidium or
giardiasis, and inform your doctor. With proper diagnosis these diseases are
curable when treated by a physician.
All water from natural water sources
should be boiled at least 5 minutes.
Chemical disinfectants such as iodine or chlorine tablets or drops are not yet
considered as reliable as heat in killing cryptosporidium and giardiasis.
Although these products work well against most waterborne bacteria and viruses
that cause disease. In an emergency where a chemical disinfective must be used,
iodine is often more effective than chlorine. If possible, filter the water
first, and then allow the iodine to work at least an hour before you drink. Some
filtering devices now on the market may also be effective.
For short trips, take a supply of water from home or other domestic source.
HYPOTHERMIACaused by a rapid loss of body heat,
hypothermia is the most dangerous illness of backcountry travel. It can strike
on a balmy day, under conditions you least expect. Often victims don't recognize
the symptoms, simply because they can't believe hypothermia could strike under
comparatively mild travel conditions. The victim may have to rely on fellow
travelers to spot the attack and act to insure recovery.
Drastic lowering of the inner body temperature causes rapid and progressive
mental and physical collapse. Symptoms include fits of shivering, vague, slurred
speech, memory lapse, fumbling hands, lurching walk, drowsiness and exhaustion,
and apparent unconcern about physical discomfort.
Get the victim out of the wind and wet. Restore body temperature. Skin-to-skin
contact is quickest. Place the victim in a dry sleeping bag, then have one or
two heat donors surround the victim. If the victim is conscious, give warm drink
- even hot water (not coffee or other stimulant.) When fit for travel, carry the
victim out in windproof and waterproof covering.
Altitude sickness may occur if you overexert
at high elevations where oxygen supply is reduced. Symptoms include fatigue,
weakness, headache, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and shortness of breath
on exertion. Victims should stop and rest, breathe deeply, and move slowly to
lower elevations.
Hyperventilation is caused by too rapid breathing and the decrease of carbon
dioxide level in the blood, causing light-headedness and a cold feeling.
Calm the victim and have them relax and breathe into a glove, bag, or hat until
normal breathing is restored.
Exhaustion occurs because the person may be pushing too hard. They may be
embarrassed to ask the group to slow down. A good principle of backcountry
travel is to take it slow, rest often, and drink and snack frequently to restore
body energy.
Sudden, unexpected mountain storms are common
throughout the year. Be aware of the possibility of thunderstorms during the
summer, and snow in late spring or early fall.
During lightning storms it is best to avoid open areas such as meadows, ridges,
and mountain tops, and to stay away from isolated trees. Find safer shelter
among dense, small trees in the lower areas. If this is not possible, lie down
flat on the ground. In all cases, remove metal frame backpacks and metal tent
poles, as lightning is attracted to them.
Steam flows will be high and swift following rainstorms and during the snowmelt
runoff in early summer. Stream crossings can be hazardous. Check with a local
Ranger Station for current conditions. Check
current weather conditions as the National
Weather Service
Be prepared, practice safety, and have a unique wilderness experience.
Be sure to take these essential items along:
check list for: outdoors activities
Miscellaneous
- Maps [ ]
- Flashlight [ ]
- Lantern and fuel [ ]
- Nylon rope for food hang [ ]
- Handkerchief [ ]
- Camera and film [ ]
- Plastic garbage bags [ ]
- Toilet paper [ ]
- Toothbrush and toothpaste [ ]
- Compass [ ]
- Watch [ ]
- Feminine hygiene products [ ]
Optional Miscellaneous:- Binoculars [ ]
- Notebook and pen [ ]
- Towel [ ]