I think this article should have mentioned that it is probably a good idea to check your local codes to see if you are even allowed an outdoor fire ring. I think Lancaster Township allows them only for cooking.

jp - are fires being banned due to environmental reasons or user error reasons?

I wonder how they enforce that rule. Are marshmallows considered cooking?

Who knows how the enforce things like this. I only know because someone mentioned it to me and his solution was to always have a pack of hot dogs handy.

I would consider marshmallows food-absolutely!

Every family that can,should share a few nights a year around a campfire.Our kids,grandkids friends and neighbors share a dozen or so fires every fall.I usually have one or two during,or right after a big winter snow.Fires in my hood draw people like moths to a flame.Marshmallows and dogs are mandatory "food". What grand family entertainment and it`s free.

Jp,
Where,exactly"all over America"are these bans?