Is it safe to?Reviewed: 2025-12-27~1 min

Is it safe to burn paper plates at a campsite during local burn‑ban advisories?

Short answer

⚠️Depends / use caution

It depends—on whether an advisory has become an active restriction, the campsite’s rules, conditions like wind, and the type of plate.

Why people ask this

Campers see “burn-ban advisories” and aren’t sure if that means all solid-fuel burning is off-limits or just discouraged. They want to tidy up camp trash and wonder if burning paper plates is allowed in a ring when restrictions seem partial. The confusion comes from varying stages of fire restrictions (e.g., Stage 1 vs. Stage 2), campground-specific policies, and weather-driven Red Flag Warnings. People also hope to reduce pack-out weight but don’t want fines or to risk a wildfire.

When it might be safe

If no active ban is in effect (advisory only) and fires are permitted in established metal fire rings, burn only a small amount of plain, uncoated plates under calm conditions with water and a shovel at hand.
Confirm with the ranger, camp host, or the posted order that solid-fuel fires are allowed (some advisories allow campfires; Stage 2 often does not).
Avoid burning during high winds or Red Flag Warnings even if an advisory (not a ban) is posted, and fully drown, stir, and cold-check the ash.

When it is not safe

During any active burn ban or fire restriction that limits fires to gas or enclosed devices only (common in Stage 2).
When winds are strong, vegetation is dry, or a Red Flag Warning is in effect, as embers from light paper can travel.
Outside of designated fire rings or pits, or where the campground prohibits burning trash of any kind.
Burning coated or plastic-lined plates that can melt, flare, or release fumes and sticky residue.

Possible risks

Escaped embers igniting nearby duff or brush, especially in drought, wind, or low humidity typical during advisories.
Citations or fines for violating agency orders (e.g., USFS/BLM/park restrictions) or campground rules.
Toxic smoke and residue from waxed or plastic-lined plates, creating unpleasant fumes for neighbors.
Smoldering debris that reignites after you leave if the fire isn’t drowned and cool to the touch.

Safer alternatives

Pack it out: use a designated trash bag and dispose of plates in campground bear-proof bins or at home.
Use reusable camping plates or biodegradable options you pack out; scrape food into a sealed trash or odor-proof bag.
If no ban and fires are allowed, use plates only as tinder-sized pieces for ignition—not as bulk trash—and fully extinguish.
Compost plain, uncoated paper plates off-site where composting is accepted; avoid composting food-greasy or coated ones.
Switch to gas stoves and avoid any solid-fuel fire when advisories escalate or Red Flag Warnings are posted.

Bottom line

Check whether the advisory is an active restriction and what it allows. If solid-fuel fires are prohibited or winds are high, don’t burn plates—pack them out. If fires are allowed in a metal ring and conditions are calm, burning a small number of plain, uncoated plates under close supervision and full extinguishment may be acceptable, but local rules take priority.