I'm glad I read the "fine print."

[Michael_in_TX]

I am going on a trip later this summer to west-central Texas. That area of the State has been under extreme drought conditions for quite some time, and as you'd expect, many counties are under an outdoor burn ban (some quite restrictive).

I was hoping I'd be able to do some outdoor grilling, but, alas, the county I will be in is indeed under a burn ban.

I then had the presence of mind to actually find the text of the County Judge's order and I found this delightful clause: "This ORDER does not prohibit burning for the preparation of food provided the source is constantly monitored by an individual who is at least 18 years of age."

Yippie! Helps to read the fine print, as it were.

[dpearce]

Michael_in_TX if only you were 18 years old!

[yakima]

Burn bans tend to be very specific, and individual. A bit of communication with the fire Marshal, in my experience, has resulted in more informed wording re use of outdoor cookers.

[Duanessmokedmeats]

Good thing the judge didn't say, "Monitored by an individual that is an adult."

[RichieB]

Ironic, a burn ban was announced today. Being I'm planning a rib eye on the Kettle tomorrow, I had to dig a bit more. I asked Gemini which brought up the statement from our town. No ban on outdoor cooking in grills. Fire pits or any open fire, don't even think about it.

[ComfortablyNumb]

Where I live there are burn restrictions and burn bans. The difference is fire used for cooking, warmth, and religious purposes. Burn restrictions start every June 15th, unless conditions warrant an earlier start. This year they started June 1st. At some point we will go into a burn ban and no fires will be allowed.

I understand your excitement at being able to cook, but bear in mind, if you start a fire you will likely be held fully liable, not just the cost of damages but also the cost to fight the fire. Be careful.

[Oak Smoke]

I’ve been fishing in so many places over the years where a fire was a bad idea that I just bought a Colman camp stove to use on my tailgate. Mine is the older two burner pump up one that will run on non ethanol gas. My daughter has the propane one, both work great at getting you a hot fresh meal or making a pot of coffee.

[Michael_in_TX]

I understand your excitement at being able to cook, but bear in mind, if you start a fire you will likely be held fully liable, not just the cost of damages but also the cost to fight the fire. Be careful.

Absolutely, plus, of course, if the owner of the property says no grilling, then I certainly won't be doing that.

The property has built-in grills. You know the type, rust buckets that have been exposed to the elements for who-knows-how-many-years:



Obviously, my food is not touching that, lol. What I was thinking of doing was using two of those single-use disposable grills inside that enclosure so I could do up some hot dogs or burgers twice when I was there. The brisket can wait until I get home.

[jfmorris]

I carried a set of Grillgrates with me once, to plop down on those crappy public park grills. But then you gotta carry greasy Grillgrate panels back home in your car/truck.

[dpearce]

jfmorris that's what trash bags are for! My folks always carried a roll in the trunk.

[Skinsfan1311]

jfmorris I take Grillgrates when we stay at campgrounds or cabins with those crapola grills. I bought a carry case from the Grillgrates site & wrap the grates in a couple layers of butcher paper before I stick 'em in the bag. There's room for mitts, tongs and a thermometer too..

[captainlee]

In Colorado you can use a gas grill or fire pit. As long as it has an on off valve to completely shut off. Anything with wood or charcoal is forbidden under a burn restriction. I imagine a pellet grill would be illegal too though I have never seen it specifically addressed.

[dpearce]

The area I'm in doesn't have very many burn bans. When they do happen it's usually a ban on bonfires, not firepits, cookers, etc... When the weather is too dry, I will limit the firepit burns. Never had to worry about the cookers.

The town we live in, within the city-limits, you can't burn brush or yard waste type stuff in an open fire. BUT, if it's a "cooking fire" then it's ok.

A long-time local here, who is backed up to a large creek, with many, many older trees, would light up his big 'ol branch pile once a year, then make his kids stand there with hotdogs on skewers.

One year, when we had so much rain, all my wood was soaked. It wouldn't take with matches and paper, so I lit the firepit with a leftover magnesium road flare, once. ONCE. My house, and the houses around us had a very "Christmas-like" glow for the hour or so this thing burned. Luckily, I had a thick gravel pad underneath the pit. That firepit was hauled to the curb next trash day.

[GolfGeezer]

Damn my sense of humor:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLG1ys2CGcI