Fire pan

The use of a fire pan reduces the impact to the ground, vegetation and rocks, and its compact size results in the burning of less wood.

Fire pans also allow users to easily burn their accumulated garbage although the best practice is to only burn paper.

Fire pans were initially used by river guides to minimize the impact of their fires but they are becoming increasingly popular with backpackers, campers and other outdoor users.

The pan is usually a metal tray with rigid sides at least three inches high such as a metal oil drain pan or a backyard barbecue grill.

When using a fire pan care should be taken so the heat does not scorch vegetation or sterilize the ground, therefore it is necessary to elevate the pan with rocks or with several inches of mineral soil.