AQMD Will Host Fire Ring Meeting in Newport Beach

Newport Beach officials said they would not be holding another public meeting regarding the fire ring debate, but the South Coast Air Quality Management District has decided to host one next week.

The AQMD has scheduled a public meeting regarding the fire rings for Thursday, June 13 at 5:30 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach, 1107 Jamboree Rd., according to an AQMD notice. Another meeting is scheduled in El Segundo on June 14 at the Embassy Suites to give Los Angeles counties residents a chance to weigh in on the issue.

The fire ring debate heated up in March 2012 when the Newport Beach City Council voted to remove the 27 fire rings at Big Corona Beach and the 33 fire rings near the Balboa Pier, which date back to the 1960. City officials said the fire rings present health impacts to residents who live nearby, pose fire threats and safety threats to beachgoers and residents who are subjected to hot ash from the fire rings when they are not doused.

Fire ring supporters maintain the bonfires provide the community with opportunities to make memories and enjoy the beach lifestyle.

Newport Beach sent an application to the California Coastal Commission asking for permission to get rid of its 60 fire rings. In March the commission voted unanimously to postpone a decision on Newport Beach's request, deferring to the AQMD.

AQMD officials said clearing all beaches of fire rings in the two coastal counties in its jurisdiction would “create a healthier experience for those who go to the beach.” District officials are expected to vote on the proposed fire ring ban in Orange and Los Angeles counties in July.

Several cities and legislators have lent their support to the fire rings.

In April the Orange County Board of Supervisors voted against the proposed ban and said regulations should be left up to individual cities. 

"Outlawing fire rings is like [banning] mother and apple pie," Supervisor Todd Spitzer said. "First youth out, first kiss -- there are some things that are sacred about those fire rings."

At a public meeting in May, Huntington Beach officials and several residents pledged their support for the fire rings. Assemblyman Allan Mansoor (R-Costa Mesa) spoke at the meeting and said he thinks the 600 fire rings plotted around Southern California should remain in the sand.

San Clemente also wants to preserve the fire rings.

On Tuesday the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted to oppose the proposed air quality regulation that would ban the beach bonfires, saying the matter should be left to the discretion of local officials.

"From the time of the beach parties of Annette Funicello and Frankie Avalon, beach campfires are a low-cost, time-honored tradition and recreational pastime in the Los Angeles County area -- indeed, all of Southern California," Supervisor Don Knabe said.

AQMD officials looking to tighten regional air quality regulations to meet stricter federal clean air standards for fine particulates say the fires are a health hazard. They have been monitoring local beaches to assess the danger.

"Wood smoke contains toxic, cancer-causing chemicals as well as common combustion pollutants," according to the agency's preliminary findings.

Knabe said the AQMD should let Newport Beach and Los Angeles County make their own choices about their respective fire rings.

- City News Service contributed to this report.

Do you think the AQMD should ban all fire rings in Orange and Los Angeles counties? Tell us in the comments.

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