Newport Commission to Discuss Fate of Fire Rings

If you have a strong opinion about the fire pits in Newport Beach, you may want to attend next week's Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission meeting.

According to the city, the commission will be discussing issues related to the 60 city-owned fire rings -- which include 27 at Big Corona Beach and 33 near the Balboa Pier-- and will develop recommendations to give to the City Council for action. The meeting will be held Tuesday, Feb. 7 at 6 p.m. at Council Chambers, 3300 Newport Blvd. Residents who are unable to attend are encouraged to send their comments about the fire rings via email to recreation@newportbeachca.gov.

Although many residents and visitors enjoy the fire rings--including the 1,810 members of the Save the Big Corona Fire Pits! group that has formed on Facebook-- the city has heard the following concerns:

• The health of residents and beachgoers is impacted because of the smoke from the fire rings.
• The safety of fire ring users and beachgoers is in jeopardy when hot ash is not doused or disposed of properly and when individuals fall near or in a fire ring.
• The use of fire rings leads to beach curfew violations.

What do you think about the fire pits in Newport Beach? Should they stay or should they go? Tell us in the comments.