Bishop/Inyu Forest ::::::::::::::::::::::Fire Restrictions

I've been planning for sometime to head out to the Happy Boulders in Bishop, but knowing California laws and conditions I have to always update myself. I was fantasizing that I'd be able to offroad, set up camp near Owen's river, and climb for a few days. To people familiar with this area, is that even possible?

I've just read that dispersed campfires are prohibited ( TEMPORARILY ) so that pretty much ruined the liberation of doing that. Mind that I've never been there, I wish someone can answer a few questions!
1. I've read these fire restrictions typically come around every June, do they eventually drop?
2. & 3. EDITED* With a bit of sarcasm and light-heartedness, these words turned the thread upside down.
4. If all is unwelcoming, how is Pleasant Valley Campground? Is it secluded/less crowded on the weekdays? Can I fish from my campsite? Is there a good chance of my belongings getting plundered?

Edmon wrote:I've been planning for sometime to head out to the Happy Boulders in Bishop, but knowing California laws and conditions I have to always update myself. I was fantasizing that I'd be able to offroad, set up camp near Owen's river, and climb for a few days. To people familiar with this area, is that even possible? I've just read that dispersed campfires are prohibited so that pretty much ruined the liberation of doing that. Mind that I've never been there, I wish someone can answer a few questions! 1. I've read these fire restrictions typically come around every June, do they eventually drop? 2. Are the rangers there frequent? Do they strike with the force of the law? 3. Is there the possibility of responsibly setting up a stealth camp fire while dispersed camping or is the force of the law too vigilant in Bishop? ( Don't want to use any stoves or alcohol) 4. If all is unwelcoming, how is Pleasant Valley Campground? Is it secluded/less crowded on the weekdays? Can I fish from my campsite? Is there a good chance of my belongings getting plundered? Whoever takes the time to respond to me will be something close to a Godsend, I would definitely remember it!

Seriously man? If there are fire restrictions its not because the Forest Service are being dicks, its because the fire danger is, well, high. Which means that it is really easy for a fire to get out of control if anything goes wrong. A little wind and tinder dry conditions means that it doesn't take much to burn down a big chunk of amazing pinyon forest.

And so what if you think that that this is a relatively low probability event because you are the Fire Marshall Bill of campers. What happens if you F up? Then you started a fire that burned down an area that is super special. Don't you think its a little selfish to put that place at risk because you just had to have a fire? An illegal campfire is how the Mammoth Pool area below Shuteye burned last year (the French Fire). Don't be that guy.

Please respect fire restrictions set in place until the conditions get better.

Sorry I don't offer any other advice but reading your plans to start a stealth fire are concerning.

I can only speak to California in general, having never been to Happy Boulders.

1) Fire restrictions are indeed common. Anywhere there are trees or thick brush, they will be in place in spring time once it hasn't rained for about a month. A few massive wildfires have been started by idiots ignoring those restrictions, so don't eff around. People have died and many homes lost. When identified and caught, some of those idiots have gotten jail time.

2) Depends what you consider frequent. On a recent backpack above Bishop, I encountered 5 rangers in 5 days. They've never had reason to cite me, but I know people who have paid fines in the hundreds of dollars. See also above about jail time for people who have carelessly started fires that killed people or destroyed homes.

3) Yes, you can be a selfish a-hole and put other peoples property and lives at risk.

4) Pleasant Valley Reservoir Campground is not at all secluded. It is cheap, and really convenient to town. You can fish right from many of the camp sites, but not all. The Lower Owens River runs through a nearby meadow that provides a much more natural fishing experience. I have never had anyone disturb my campsite at PVR, and there are often regulars (retirees) who would report anyone robbing a campsite. On the otherhand, if I stumbled across your stealth campfire, you may assume I will toss anything I don't want in said campfire.

You may well think I'm a total asshole. You won't be the last. There was thick smoke all over the Sierras this summer. Many people's trips were impacted, including mine, all summer long.

J. Albers wrote: Seriously man? If there are fire restrictions its not because the Forest Service are being dicks, its because the fire danger is, well, high. Which means that it is really easy for a fire to get out of control if anything goes wrong. A little wind and tinder dry conditions means that it doesn't take much to burn down a big chunk of amazing pinyon forest. And so what if you think that that this is a relatively low probability event because you are the Fire Marshall Bill of campers. What happens if you F up? Then you started a fire that burned down an area that is super special. Don't you think its a little selfish to put that place at risk because you just had to have a fire? An illegal campfire is how the Mammoth Pool area below Shuteye burned last year (the French Fire). Don't be that guy.

To begin with, the Forest Service can pick and choose a date or length of prohibition that doesn't necessarily coincide with the bad weather conditions. It can be something arbitrary like the first of the month and that is what I was pretty much getting at. I wanted to see if people were familiar with the restriction dates and times, not to go arrogantly set up my own fire. The term " stealth campfire " may sound malicious, but I only intended it to mean something out of sight. In sincerity to find information out from familiars of the area, I was retaliated with the forum mother trying to set the rules straight, but hey I'm not that guy.

George Wu wrote:I can only speak to California in general, having never been to Happy Boulders. 1) Fire restrictions are indeed common. Anywhere there are trees or thick brush, they will be in place in spring time once it hasn't rained for about a month. A few massive wildfires have been started by idiots ignoring those restrictions, so don't eff around. People have died and many homes lost. When identified and caught, some of those idiots have gotten jail time. 2) Depends what you consider frequent. On a recent backpack above Bishop, I encountered 5 rangers in 5 days. They've never had reason to cite me, but I know people who have paid fines in the hundreds of dollars. See also above about jail time for people who have carelessly started fires that killed people or destroyed homes. 3) Yes, you can be a selfish a-hole and put other peoples property and lives at risk. 4) Pleasant Valley Reservoir Campground is not at all secluded. It is cheap, and really convenient to town. You can fish right from many of the camp sites, but not all. The Lower Owens River runs through a nearby meadow that provides a much more natural fishing experience. I have never had anyone disturb my campsite at PVR, and there are often regulars (retirees) who would report anyone robbing a campsite. On the otherhand, if I stumbled across your stealth campfire, you may assume I will toss anything I don't want in said campfire. You may well think I'm a total asshole. You won't be the last. There was thick smoke all over the Sierras this summer. Many people's trips were impacted, including mine, all summer long.

I'm going to take it that people interpreted what I said as a motive of mine for someone to help lead me on, but I don't understand the attitude. I can see the trauma involved in everyone's lives over this. At the least though, the people who probably caused damage didn't take the time of day like I have to ask these questions not to be egged on, but see the general atmosphere of the area.

sean.haynes wrote:Please respect fire restrictions set in place until the conditions get better. Sorry I don't offer any other advice but reading your plans to start a stealth fire are concerning.

I won't take the time of day to relieve your misconceptions, it won't help anyhow.

What misconception? Your post clearly sounds like you're asking the best way to start a fire in a restricted area and If you'll get caught if you do.

You can camp. Why does camping require one to have a campfire? This must be a troll post because no one would seriously consider having a "STEALTH FIRE" in one of the driest parts of the state. And the fact the entire state of California was on fire all summer long. Have some fucking respect dude...

Please stay in Los Angeles.

Jeff Koperek wrote:You can camp. Why does camping require one to have a campfire? This must be a troll post because no one would seriously consider having a "STEALTH FIRE" in one of the driest parts of the state. And the fact the entire state of California was on fire all summer long. Have some fucking respect dude...

I can camp ( I'm aware of that ). Why does it require to have a fire? If you're planning a few days trip it would do good to cook, that's why. THE WORD "STEALTH FIRE" sounds absolutely evil to everyone here, but it is a term used in bushcraft that is initially harmless. I can't describe my true intentions through text but I'm going to try for the third time. If everyone here takes it to heart that I'm next in line to do damage then fuck them. Everyone disregarded what I've written word for word, if you can't fully sum entirely what I wrote and only take snippets, once again....

1. It is allowed in Inyo National forest to do dispersed camping. SO IF THE LAW ALLOWS FOR FIRE IN THE DRIEST PART OF THE STATE, my question evaluates their schedule for prohibition. Meaning, if they have it listed on their site " restrictions from September 15- October 30 ", is it possible they drop their restriction in the midst of that? ( That was 1 question ) You need a fire permit, a shovel, and water as required. So you the have respect to entirely read what I wrote, look at the regulations yourself, and then finally think your statement through. I will respond with the same attitude that I am dealing with.

Tavis Ricksecker wrote:Please stay in Los Angeles.

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk
Guideline #2: I wish you were half the man to say it in person.

I think the question is "Why do you think you are special"?
I was just camping in Bishop. The fire restriction has been EXTENDED due to high fire hazard. It is dry. Last year they had a raging fire which destroyed homes, animals, and property, i believe it was at this time of year.
Stoves are allowed, why not get into the 20th century and use one?
And i would say it to your face, as i stomped out your 'stealth fire', called the bad guys (police, fire and rangers, doing there job) and told you to

"JUST STAY IN L.A."

I'm not being a jerk, just trying to make clear that this attitude is completely wrong.

Edmon wrote:I've been planning for sometime to head out to the Happy Boulders in Bishop, but knowing California laws and conditions I have to always update myself. I was fantasizing that I'd be able to offroad, set up camp near Owen's river, and climb for a few days. To people familiar with this area, is that even possible? I've just read that dispersed campfires are prohibited so that pretty much ruined the liberation of doing that. Mind that I've never been there, I wish someone can answer a few questions! 1. I've read these fire restrictions typically come around every June, do they eventually drop? 2. Are the rangers there frequent? Do they strike with the force of the law? 3. Is there the possibility of responsibly setting up a stealth camp fire while dispersed camping or is the force of the law too vigilant in Bishop? ( Don't want to use any stoves or alcohol) 4. If all is unwelcoming, how is Pleasant Valley Campground? Is it secluded/less crowded on the weekdays? Can I fish from my campsite? Is there a good chance of my belongings getting plundered? Whoever takes the time to respond to me will be something close to a Godsend, I would definitely remember it!

I live in Bishop and have been sucking in smoke from forest fires for weeks. Like someone else said this isn't the forest service / rangers being dicks -- we have had serious issues this season due to a couple dry seasons in a row. You wouldn't even believe what town looked like two weeks ago -- it almost looked like we were caught in a fog bank.

Please do not start a forest fire because you want "liberation". Stealth camping is fine (and easy to do here) but please follow the fire regulations. There are few rangers / LEOs in the actual climbing areas, but I'll be around I promise ;P

Edmon wrote:I've been planning for sometime to head out to the Happy Boulders in Bishop, but knowing California laws and conditions I have to always update myself. I was fantasizing that I'd be able to offroad, set up camp near Owen's river, and climb for a few days. To people familiar with this area, is that even possible? I've just read that dispersed campfires are prohibited so that pretty much ruined the liberation of doing that. Mind that I've never been there, I wish someone can answer a few questions! 1. I've read these fire restrictions typically come around every June, do they eventually drop? 2. Are the rangers there frequent? Do they strike with the force of the law? 3. Is there the possibility of responsibly setting up a stealth camp fire while dispersed camping or is the force of the law too vigilant in Bishop? ( Don't want to use any stoves or alcohol) 4. If all is unwelcoming, how is Pleasant Valley Campground? Is it secluded/less crowded on the weekdays? Can I fish from my campsite? Is there a good chance of my belongings getting plundered? Whoever takes the time to respond to me will be something close to a Godsend, I would definitely remember it!

PlEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU RESPOND!

Campfires are not completely prohibited at Inyo National Forest. There are restriction dates which occur typically around every June or September. My question again-
"I've read these fire restrictions typically come around every June, do they eventually drop?"
HOW can people make an asshole out of me when the forest officials or whoever itself allows for campfires with permit? In hopes to hear from locals to tell me if they have estimates which they lay the restrictions off, I'm told not to come.

I'm from Los Angeles, the rangers here are not like the rangers I've met up north or around the Inland Empire. Maybe they have a right to be cautious, but they often cause friction when I encounter them. It is frequent among me and my friends for them discouraging our stay, but they only see age and appearance, I can not blame them entirely due to consistent issues they might run into, but we travel for sport.

The whole " Stealth Camping " is too dangerous of a word in this thread. I did want to get a heads up if people who do DISPERSED CAMPING still start a campfire through restriction dates. I think a ranger would have been kinder to me if I asked that question. They do allow stoves, jellies, and esbit type utensils to be used, but I don't have that material and would rather go to a developed area at that point. I understand the sensitivity on this matter now and a general approach from climbers behind a monitor.

Finally when I mention, " if all is unwelcoming", etc etc.

If anyone after this point wishes to conflict on what I just said, it is only provocation.

Muscrat wrote:I think the question is "Why do you think you are special"? I was just camping in Bishop. The fire restriction has been EXTENDED due to high fire hazard. It is dry. Last year they had a raging fire which destroyed homes, animals, and property, i believe it was at this time of year. Stoves are allowed, why not get into the 20th century and use one? And i would say it to your face, as i stomped out your 'stealth fire', called the bad guys (police, fire and rangers, doing there job) and told you to "JUST STAY IN L.A." I'm not being a jerk, just trying to make clear that this attitude is completely wrong.

I'm just astonished m8 at the type of people on this site

sean.haynes wrote:What misconception? Your post clearly sounds like you're asking the best way to start a fire in a restricted area and If you'll get caught if you do.

Very simple thought

Fire restriction information can be found here.

If they drop the ban, and you have a fire in an established pit, then there is no problem. However, this is not the case and maybe you should just buy a stove, get a permit and stop this pointless discussion. It's really as simple as that. Not quite sure why you need to keep replying (ego?) when your question has been answered and verified multiple times.

lol

A Fire Troll! do you negate your own regen?