Beer company giving away flameless solar cookers to help prevent forest fires

Solar cooker campaign by Busch Light
Solar cooker campaign by Busch Light

Anheuser-Busch has come up with a unique way to promote one of their brands while also, perhaps, reducing the chances of an illegal campfire starting what could become a devastating wildfire.

The company is giving away in certain areas of Colorado solar powered flameless cookers which supposedly can be used by campers to prepare a warm meal in a remote area.

“On average, 85% of forest fires are caused by humans and many of those man-made disasters are attributed to poorly attended campfires,” they wrote on their website. “That’s why Busch Light is distributing Busch Light Solar Cookers at the peak of Colorado camping season, offering a flame-free way to enjoy a warm meal and ice-cold beers with fire safety in mind.”

Website visitors can sign up for a chance to get a free cooker at local Colorado fire departments in Red Feather Lakes (August 19th), Nederland (August 26th), or Estes Park (September 2nd) through Labor Day weekend.

The cooker appears to be very similar to an item sold on Amazon for $41.

 

How to build fancy campfires

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Wildland firefighters don’t work night shifts as much as we used to, but many of us have experienced a long night when there is not much mopup left to be done and it’s 2 a.m. The temperature is in the 40s or 50s, and the chill starts to creep into our sweat-soaked clothes. We might have thrown some unburned branches onto a smouldering hot spot and encouraged them into flames, seeking a little warmth.

That’s about the simplest campfire there is. But maybe you should step up your game.

Rakovalkea long-log fire
Rakovalkea long-log fire. Illustration by Robert Prince.

Field and Stream has an article describing 10 fancy campfires. This is not your typical missive about how to START a fire with tinder, kindling, and one match. We’ll assume you know that basic stuff. These fires all have a specific purpose, such as burning all night, signaling for help, sheltering the fire from wind, streamlining ignition with duct tape, and building a fire under a tarp.

Do you have hours to kill and need to stay warm? Impress your colleagues with one of these.