AQMD Accepting Proposals for Non-Wood Burning Fire Rings

The South Coast Air Quality Management District is accepting proposals for low-emission fire rings fueled by sources other than wood in Newport Beach, according to a news release.
 
The request for proposals follows the AQMD's Friday ruling to approve changes to its Rule 444 in relation to the beachside fire rings in Orange and Los Angeles counties, including the 27 rings at Big Corona Beach and the 33 near the Balboa Pier. Through Aug. 14., the AQMD will accept proposals for up to 25 low-emission fire rings fueled by sources other than wood such as propane or natural gas.

“These clean-fueled fire pits could be the wave of the future, transforming smoky beach environments into more healthy spaces,” Barry Wallerstein, AQMD executive officer, said in a released statement.

Under the new AQMD rules, fire rings must be at least 700 feet away from residences, are at least 100 feet apart-- but at least 50 feet apart if a city has 15 or fewer. In addition cities maintaining the fire rings must also adhere to a pollution standard that does not exceed 100 fine particulates on the air quality index.

Some of the fire rings in Newport Beach will have to be more spread out, or moved to another beach to abide by the new criteria, the AQMD reported.

In addition, the City Council has the authority to determine if the rings are a “public nuisance.” If that happens, a public hearing will be scheduled to decide if the wood-burning fire rings should be removed.

The new rules go into effect on March 1, 2014.

City Manager Dave Kiff said the AQMD's updated criteria makes way for "a local compromise within the community," led by the City Council, which could potentially include alternatives to traditional fire rings.

"It it could result in less wood-fueled rings, a mixture of fuel sources, some additional spacing between the wood-fueled rings, or even no wood-fueled rings," Kiff said. "My guess is that a year from now Newport's beaches will still have some fire rings. Some might be in different locations and some might have different fuel sources." 

Newport Beach officials have expressed interest in the AQMD's pilot program to look into replacing the fire rings with rings fueled by natural gas or propane. Newport Beach Mayor Keith Curry said he supports non-wood fueled fire rings, but Councilwoman Leslie Daigle said she does not.

"The far left loves pilot programs because they give the impression of "doing something" while expanding bureaucracy and regulation," Daigle said.

Other groups with no direct ties to fire rings are also in opposition, according to Daigle.

"OCTax opposed the AQMD's rule that expanded regulation along the coast," Daigle said. "There is a constituency that while indifferent to fire rings is concerned about AQMD setting up shop along the coast and further intruding into businesses, resorts and recreational areas."

The Newport Beach City Council voted in March 2012 to remove the concrete fire rings citing potential health and safety risks. Supporters maintain the fire rings are a long-standing Southern California tradition that signify the beach lifestyle and provide the community with low-cost recreation.

How do you feel about non-wood burning beachside fire rings in Newport Beach? Tell us in the comments.

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