Some beach-access advocates are getting fired up over a proposal by District 1 Councilmember Joe LaCava to restrict beach fires to City-provided fire rings and portable propane-fueled devices only.
On May 26, the City Council Environment Committee unanimously approved chair LaCava’s proposed amendments clarifying beach fire regulations. LaCava’s proposal confining beach fires to City-provided fire rings and portable propane-fueled devices is meant to resolve conflicting language, improve public safety, and provide clarity for beachgoers and public safety officials alike.
“I support safe, legal beach fires,” said LaCava. “These amendments are essential in keeping our public beaches safe while preserving the public’s access to the unique experience of beach fires.”
“This is an important item that will bring long-awaited clarity for all parties who are impacted by this issue,” concurred District 2 Councilmember Dr. Jennifer Campbell.
“Lifeguards routinely put out fires and remove hazardous debris from illegal beach fires that could injure beach patrons,” said SD Fire-Rescue Marine Safety Capt. Maureen Hodges. “Changing the municipal code could help prevent illegal beach fires and make the beaches safer for everyone.”
“The new changes make it easier to understand and enforce,” said SDPD Northern Division Capt. Scott Wahl. “The propane option will be much cleaner, safer, and cause fewer problems. It’s up to the community now to decide.”
The real danger of hot coals left on sandy beaches was underscored recently by an 18-month-old toddler burned by hot coals buried in the sand at Mission Bay. The toddler’s family had been setting up a picnic at Ventura Cove. The boy was hospitalized and treated for second-degree burns.
Not everyone, however, is fired up about the new proposed beach-fire regulations.
“The fun police are after your freedom to use and enjoy your public beaches,” said La Jolla beach-access advocate Ken Hunrichs. “Not satisfied with extreme restrictions on beach access and fireworks displays, Council members LaCava and Campbell are proposing banning wood fires in privately owned fire bowls on City beaches.
“The proposal would prohibit the use of your own fire bowl to have a natural wood fire. Their idea of a beach fire would force you to use only a propane fire in your device. That would be like lighting all the burners on your kitchen stove and sitting around it. Not a good experience,” Hunrichs said.
Longtime La Jollan Melinda Merryweather concurred with Hunrich’s view.
“Right now, the rule in San Diego is you can have your own container and you can burn wood or charcoal,” Merryweather said. “That rule used to be posted on City signs. I asked a lifeguard at Marine Street if I could bring my own fire pit, a big raised copper bowl where we burn wood to ashes, and they said it was allowed.”
Added Merryweather of the propane-only regulation proposal: “They don’t want you to have wood or charcoal anywhere on the beach. They just want you to have propane. That’s like taking a bunch of lights to the beach. It’s not warm and cozy. A beach fire is summer.
“I want my grandchildren and great-grandchildren to have beach fires and that smell of hot dogs and marshmallows. They tried this (new fire regulations) in Newport Beach. There was so much anger about it they brought the fire pits back,” Merryweather said.
According to Voice of San Diego, there are 150 of these permanent, concrete fire rings throughout the City, with 32 additional rings placed on tourist-oriented beaches like La Jolla Shores, Mission Beach, and Ocean Beach for the summer season only.
In 1990, the City had 450 fire rings. By 2008, as NBC7 reported, the city removed 186 concrete fire pits from its beaches and shorelines, as a way of closing a $43 million gap in its budget. The Park and Recreation Department at the time estimated that it cost $173,000 a year to maintain them, as reported by Voice of San Diego.
“The City hasn’t removed any fire rings recently,” said City spokesperson Tim Graham. “We do remove some summer-only fire rings in October in preparation for the winter months, but they go back out around spring break, so all the fire pits and rings should be out. As far as counts go, it’s a little dependent on timing, as some fire rings are only out during the summer.”
Hunrichs claims the new City ordinance “makes no provisions to provide additional City fire rings at beaches that do not have fire rings or have been removed.
He added: “There currently are no fire rings at Children’s Pool or many other beaches in La Jolla. This mistake is being pushed by the City Council members from La Jolla and Mission Beach at the request of a few beachfront residents wanting to prohibit beach fires on ‘their’ beaches. They have forgotten the beaches are used and enjoyed by all the residents of San Diego, and not just those with the means to own beachfront property.
“Beach fires are a traditional and fun activity at public beaches and should not be allowed to be curtailed. The Council members from the other seven City Council districts, whose constituents don’t live at a beachfront property, should protect beach access and beach fires by opposing this very bad proposal.”
Are beach fires allowed in California?
Some California beaches allow fires, mostly during certain months of the year, within provided fire rings. Each beach has different rules and regulations regarding fires.
What to bring for a beach fire?
You want to make sure that you have everything that you need before heading out to the beach. You should remember to bring the following items: Wood or charcoal, matches or a lighter, fire logs, lighter fluid, kindling, newspaper or cardboard, small bucket for water (to put out fire), chairs, blankets, food, drinks, and wagon to carry supplies.
How to get a fire ring?
Arrive at the beach early to claim a fire ring. Most fire rings are first come, first serve. Since there are a limited number of fire rings they get taken fast. Plan on getting yours in the morning and then staying by it all day.
There are a few beaches that offer reservable paid picnic areas that include fire rings. There are also some concierge beach fire services that, for a fee, will go early, save your fire ring and parking spot, and make sure that you have all the supplies needed. This is a great idea if you want to skip all the hassle of gathering supplies and claiming a fire ring, and instead, just show up and enjoy your beach fire.
Proposed beach-fire amendments include:
- Clarifying permissible fire devices: “City-provided fire rings” and “portable propane-fueled devices;”
- Removing specification that beach fires are only allowed where a “City-provided fire ring” exists;
- Replacing “City-provided fire container(s)” with “City-provided fire ring(s);”
- Replacing “Public Beach” with “Beach Area;”
- Defining “propane-fueled device.”
These amendments apply only to “beach areas,” which are defined as any beach or land and the waters abutting or adjacent thereto under the jurisdiction of the City’s Park and Recreation Department, and do not apply to public parks.
Open beach fires outside containers are prohibited at all San Diego beaches. Fires are not allowed between midnight and 5 a.m. The burning of rubbish is prohibited. Presently, only wood, charcoal, or paper products may be used as fuel. Fuel for the fire may not exceed a height of more than 12 inches above the upper edge of the fire container. The fire must be extinguished before leaving the beach. Coals must be removed or deposited in hot coal containers.
Location and number of existing San Diego beach fire rings:
Shoreline parks (beaches)
La Jolla Shores – 7
Mission Beach (Belmont Park) – 5
South Mission Beach – 11
Ocean Beach – 9
Total beaches – 32
Mission Bay Park
Mission Point – 1
Bonita Cove – 5
Mariner’s Point – 8
Ventura Cove – 9
Sunset Park – 3
Dana Landing – 2
Vacation Isle
Vacation Isle-Southside – 12
Vacation Isle-Paradise Point – 16
Vacation Isle-North Cove – 4
Ski Beach – 13
Crown Point
Crown Point Shores – 17
East Mission Bay Drive Area
De Anza Cove – 8
De Anza Boat Launch – 2
Playa Pacifica – 11
Hilton-North – 2
Hilton-South – 3
Fiesta Island and South Shores
Fiesta Island – 35
South Shores – 2
Total Mission Bay Park – 153
PHOTO BY DON BALCH
