Campfire restrictions enacted in the Smokies
Campfires in the backcountry of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park are a no-go following the park’s decision to issue a fire ban due to extremely dry conditions — in fact, many backcountry sites are currently without water.
“It is imperative that we reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires during this period of extreme fire danger,” said Superintendent Cassius Cash. “The park has not banned backcountry campfires since 2007, but these unusually dry conditions warrant the restriction.”
The ban does not apply to people camping in the park’s nine developed campsites or to picnickers using fire grills at picnic areas, though fires must be confined to designated grills and rings. Frontcountry visitors must extinguish fires after use by mixing water with embers.
Backpacking stoves are allowed at backcountry sites — just no campfires.
Many springs are running dry at backcountry campsites and shelters throughout the park. At locations with a running spring, it can take more than five minutes to fill a quart-sized bottle.
Currently, Mollies Ridge Shelter, Russell Field Shelter, Spence Field Shelter, Silers Bald Shelter, Double Spring Gap Shelter and Pecks Corner Shelter are known to be without water, as well as backcountry sites 5, 6, 16, 26, 113. Backpackers should carry extra water when visiting sites not located along major water sources.
