To minimize impacts please use an existing site. Dispose of wash water at least 100' away from any water source. All water can carry giardia, a protozoa that affect the human intestinal system and can cause serious illness. Boiling at least 5 minutes, using iodine tablets or crystals, or filtering can treat water. Large hot fires or concentrations of charcoal and ash can sterilize soils, leaving them unable to sustain plant life.
Many visitors consider fire-rings an eyesore.
Build you fire in an existing fire-ring that is at least 100' from water. Do not build new fire-rings. Avoid having fires above treeline.