Campfire building is also an important skill for every camper. Yet, the natural appearance of many areas has been degraded by the overuse of fires and an increasing demand for firewood. The development of efficient, lightweight camp stoves has encouraged a shift away from the traditional fire. Stoves have become essential equipment for minimum-impact camping. They are fast, flexible, efficient, reliable, and clean burning, and they eliminate the need for firewood.
Stoves operate in almost any weather condition, and they leave no trace.
The most important consideration to be made when deciding to use a fire is the potential damage to the backcountry. When Campfires Are Used If building a fire cannot be avoided, camp in areas where wood is abundant. A true Leave No Trace fire shows no evidence of its use. The best place to build a fire is within an existing fire ring in a well-placed campsite. Keep the fire small and burning only for the time you are using it.