Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation

Vermont plans to update its primitive camping rules, which haven't been changed for three decades, to enhance wildfire prevention and protect natural resources. The proposed changes forbid cutting or burning live wood for campfires and require campers to establish campsites 200 feet from water sources, an increase from the previous 100-foot requirement.

Vermont's Act 162 requires fire chiefs to assume forest fire warden duties to combat wildfires, but some, like Tunbridge Fire Chief Simon Bradford, oppose the law, citing added burdens on volunteer departments. Bradford argues the law was imposed without consultation and has launched a petition against it, while officials defend the measure as a way to leverage local expertise in fire management.