AQMD to Vote on Fire Rings Today

District staff is recommending adoption of a plan that would allow the beach bonfires to continue, but under restrictions. It would also include pilot programs for fire rings powered by natural or propane gas instead of wood.

The issue has generated its own heat in recent months since Newport Beach officials sought a ban on the fire rings in their city. They withdrew the application when it appeared the state Coastal Commission, at a meeting it held Thursday, would block Newport Beach's effort to remove 60 fire rings in Corona del Mar and the Balboa Peninsula.

The application to the Coastal Commission got the AQMD involved because the commission wanted to get scientific data on the health effects of the fire pits before making a decision. That led the AQMD to consider a total ban on the fire pits along much of the Southern California coast, prompting outcries from officials in Huntington Beach, San Clemente and elsewhere who want to maintain the tradition.

Newport Beach Mayor Keith Curry and Santa Ana Mayor Miguel Pulido, who serves on the AQMD board, developed a proposal for restrictions and natural gas pilot programs.

Traditionalists enjoy fire rings and say it is a low-cost form of recreation. Supporters also say they generate business from beachgoers. Opponents say the smoke from the bonfires pose health risks.

Under the proposal being considered today, fire pits would have to be kept at least 700 feet away from the nearest residence and 100 feet apart -- but at least 50 feet apart if a city has 15 or fewer.

Cities maintaining the fire rings must also adhere to a standard on pollution that does not exceed 100 fine particulates on the air quality index. Under that criteria, Dockweiler State Beach, Huntington City Beach and Bolsa Chica State Beach would not be affected by the restrictions on fire rings.

Huntington State Beach would have to remove about 30 fire rings now within 700 feet of a mobile home park, and fire rings at Corona del Mar State Beach and Balboa Beach would have to be removed or put elsewhere because they are too close to residences. Doheny State Beach would be most affected because homes are within 700 feet.

Two or more fire rings may have to be removed at Capistrano Beach Park, but the restrictions would not affect fire rings in Aliso Beach County Park and along the San Clemente and North Beach coast.

Newport Beach could install 10 fire rings fueled by propane or natural gas instead of wood. That must be approved by the City Council and Councilwoman Leslie Daigle has signaled her opposition, saying some firefighters think the proposal is "lame and dangerous."

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