Frequent fire bans is also a pretty good indication that an area is sensitive, and so campfires might not be a great idea even when firebans are not in place. It gets complicated in areas that are drying out, whether forest litter composts and makes the place less prone to fire or dries out and makes it more prone. Either way I think firebans should always be respected, but small wood stoves are otherwise the most sustainable and environmentally sensitive solution.

Big campfires are for Visigoths. Gentlemen prefer hobbo stoves. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

p.s. Apologies to any remaining Visigoths out there.
Many of my ancestors had friends that were Visigoths, and only a few of them sacked Rome.