Politics & Government

Newport Recommends Gas-Fueled Fire Rings

The debate over beachside fire pits will likely heat up again next week, when the Newport Beach City Council considers replacing a large number of the city's 60 wood-burning fire rings with natural-gas burning rings.

Staff is recommending the removal of 33 wood-burning fire rings, 15 from Big Corona Beach in Corona del Mar and 18 from the Balboa Pier area and the installation of natural gas-fueled fire rings as part of a pilot project with the South Coast Air Quality Management District. The proposal also requests spacing the remainder 27 wood-burning fire rings at least 50 feet apart from each other, according to a city staff report.

The battle over the fire rings ignited when the City Council voted in May 2012 to ask the California Coastal Commission for the green light to get rid of all 60 fire rings, citing potential health and safety risks. Newport Beach later withdrew its Coastal Commission application.

On Thursday the city announced it has since come up with a plan to take the AQMD's recent changes to its Rule 444, which states fire pits 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, into consideration before the rule goes into effect March 2014.

“This plan balances the very real health concerns we have seen from AQMD’s own data with the community’s desires to retain a cherished beach tradition," Mayor Keith Curry said. "I think this plan, which includes wood-fueled rings and natural gas rings, gives the public a great choice when they come to our beaches. It is likely to cut harmful emissions significantly, while still allowing fire rings to continue in Newport Beach.”

Newport's proposal also includes limiting the acceptable burning material in the fire rings to natural firewood, or low-smoke burning logs. If approved by the Coastal Commission, the natural gas fire rings would first be installed near the Balboa Pier, with five gas-fueled rings including two group bonfire rings accommodating up to 25 people, followed by give natural gas-fueled fire rings, including two for group bonfires at Big Corona Beach.

If the pilot project is successful, well-received and safe, there could be a gradual transition of the remaining wood-burning fire rings to the natural gas concept, staff reported.

Supporters of the wood-burning fire rings have maintained they are a long-standing Southern California tradition that signify the beach lifestyle and provide the community with low-cost recreation. Opponents believe the smoke from the bonfires pose health risks.

The Newport Beach City Council will meet on Tuesday, Nov. 26 at 7 p.m., 100 Civic Center Dr. in Newport Beach.

What do you think about Newport's fire ring proposal? Tell us in the comments.

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