AQMD Changes Could Allow Newport to Have Final Say on Fire Rings

If the South Coast Air Quality Management District approves changes to its proposed ban on beachside burning, Newport Beach may have the authority to nix its fire rings without needing permission from any other agency.

Air quality monitoring at Southern California beaches with fire rings, including Newport Beach with its 60 rings, resulted in a handful of recommendations to the proposed ban on the beachside fire rings in Orange and Los Angeles counties, according to a South Coast Air Quality Management District staff report. As it stands, cities and counties have the authority to prohibit beach burning if its exposure to the smoke causes a nuisance, but one of the most notable proposed changes would strengthen that authority.

The air quality district ignited a political firestorm in March when it sought to ban beach fire pits because of the unhealthful impact to the air quality in surrounding cities. While Newport Beach officials led the charge to remove its fire pits out of concern for the air quality of nearby residents, legislators and city officials in neighboring beach cities fought the ban. They held demonstrations and issued resolutions opposing the ban as an attack on the Southern California way of life.

If approved by the AQMD board in July, the proposed amendment will allow each city to make its own decision on the matter.

"We have included language in our Rule 444 proposal which basically would layer AQMD regulations on top of that existing authority to reinforce the ability of cities and counties to prohibit burning and not be subject to any other governing bodes including the California Coastal Commission," Sam Atwood, AQMD spokesman, said.

The recommendation is important to Newport Beach because in March 2012 the City Council voted to get rid of the 27 fire rings at Big Corona Beach and the 33 fire rings near the Balboa Pier. The city was then required to submit an application to the California Coastal Commission requesting permission to uninstall its fire pits. The application is scheduled to be reviewed by the commission in July.

Additional AQMD staff recommendations, which will be presented to the AQMD board for consideration at a special meeting on July 12, include:

• adding buffer zones to allow fire rings that are at least 700 feet away from the nearest homes; increasing the distance between fire rings to 100 feet or 50 feet apart in cities that have less than 15 fire rings
• implementing no-burn days during unfavorable weather conditions between November and February; implementing a compliance program to ensure only wood is being burned in the fire pits
• enhancing public education regarding wood smoke via signage and flyers handed out to the community
• exploring the use of non-wood burning alternatives including gaseous-fueled fire rings

Newport Beach officials maintain 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.

Many officials and residents in nearby Huntington Beach have voiced support for the fire rings over the past several months saying they are an integral part of the Southern California beach experience.

On Friday Newport Beach officials said the city would work with the AQMD to install five non-wood burning fire rings at Big Corona Beach and five at the Balboa Pier area to help preserve the tradition of beach fires.

Mayor Keith Curry said he was pleased with AQMD's proposed changes to the fire ring ban.

"This will allow residents and visitors to continue to enjoy fire rings, while at the same time protecting the health of our residents and employees," Curry said. "We continue to believe that every community should decide for itself the best way to address the health impacts of wood smoke, and one solution should not be imposed on all communities.”

If the project proves to not impact the nearby community negatively, Newport Beach will consider making the non-wood burning fire pits permanent and adding more.

Atwood said the agency is hopeful the proposed changes addresses concerns on both sides of the heated fire ring debate.

A public meeting regarding the fire ring debate is scheduled for Thursday, June 13 at 5:30 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency in Newport Beach.

The AQMD will continue to monitor the air quality at local beaches with fire rings, and report its findings to the public, officials said.

What do you think about non-wood burning fire pits in Newport Beach? Tell us in the comments.

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