It's a darn shame that they disallow campfires especially when most forest fires are started by lightening. Bu then again, I've ran accross backpackers that do not put out their fires. I, personally and with friends, ran to the lake multiple times with water bottles to put out a camp fire ring that was still really hot. When it steams with water, its not out. Good luck and safe travels!
Never surprises me how foolish some people can be with leaving fires unattended.
Seems like you're a good steward of the forest! Keep it up!!