Unattended Campfire, Pemigewasset Wilderness – In May 2010, I spent a day deep in the Pemigewasset Wilderness of New Hampshire doing research and verifying information along the old East Branch & Lincoln Railroad. It was a wonderful day, but what I stumbled upon caught me completely off guard.
As I worked my way along the East Branch of the Pemigewasset River, near the Thoreau Falls Trail and Wilderness Trail junction, I came across a campsite with a fire pit. I have found numerous campsites with fire pits, but what was different about this one is the FIRE was still going, and the site was vacant!
I hesitated for a second thinking I walked into someone’s campsite but after looking around it was clear they were gone. The camper or campers pulled the blanket of moss from the top of the boulder (above) and stuffed it into and over the fire pit. They must have done this thinking it would put out the fire.
After I pulled all the moss off the fire pit and threw it into the river, it was obvious the embers were still burning. The rocks surrounding the fire pit were so hot I couldn't even touch them! I filled one of my Sea to Summit bags with river water numerous times to put the fire out and hung around for about twenty minutes to make sure the fire was out.
How this campfire was left definitely isn’t considered leave no trace camping ethics. It is scary to think what the outcome could have been if I did not come along. When I got home, I contacted the Pemi district of Forest Service to let them know of the issue.
A few links on backcountry camping and fire:
See what Smokey Bear says about putting out fires
Backcountry camping regulations in the Pemigewasset Wilderness
Dispersed Camping in the White Mountain National Forest
Happy image making..
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Owner of ScenicNH Photography LLC
Erin Paul is a professional photographer, writer, and author who specializes in environmental conservation and historic preservation photography mainly in the New Hampshire White Mountains. His work is published worldwide, and publication credits include: Appalachian Mountain Club, Appalachian Trail Conservancy, Backpacker Magazine, and The Wilderness Society.
ScenicNH Photography LLC
Specializing in environmental conservation and historic preservation photography mainly in the White Mountains region of New Hampshire, Erin Paul’s photography and writing focuses on the history of the White Mountains, and telling the story of abandoned places and forgotten historical sites.