Lack of enforcement a big part of problem
Bonfires on beaches have become a menace that, unabated, will make our beaches unsafe and unsightly. There is literally no enforcement of regulations on the beaches for unleashed animals, motorized vehicles on boardwalks and nightly fires.
Below is a letter I sent to San Diego’s mayor and City Council which best describes the issues and resolutions:
“I have lived on [a court] on Mission Bay since 1976, yet not until recently have the beaches been too often menaced with open wood-burning ‘private’ portable fire pots. No one is opposed to everyone having fun on the public beaches, but not at the expense of the health, safety, peace and tranquility of all.
“1) The pits are often abandoned after use.
“2) The hot coals are left buried in the sand for people to step on.
“3) Hot logs and embers are often tossed into the bay leaving charcoal to wash ashore (pollution).
“4) The wet and dry beach sands are now strewn with black charcoal fragments from hot embers.
“5) The smoke enters our open windows, causing health issues.
“6) The cinders rise and could land on something flammable. Roof?
“7) Open fire pits are not uncommon directly adjacent to dry plants and buildings.
“8) Live-burning small hot air balloons are commonly released that float over buildings.
“This is not an issue of rowdiness, although the parties can last well into the early mornings and can be noisy. There is always (illegal) alcohol involved, so revelry is common.
“As I read the Union-Tribune article about the council’s upcoming deliberations, and as confirmed therein, we at the beach are well aware of a nearly complete lack of enforcement of any laws or restrictions on any issue. In view of the tolerance of nonenforcement, I would like to suggest a few alternative possibilities for your consideration.
“A) Ban all wood-burning and charcoal fires on all beaches, except in city fire rings. But if not, consider the suggestions below.
“B) No fires or coals can be burned within 300 feet from any structure or plants.
“C) Use fire department or lifeguard personnel to patrol beaches on weekends. They don’t have to issue citations but can put the fires out and inform the offenders. If there is a problem, they can call police.
“D) Mandate that no wood-burning fires can occur after 10 p.m.
“E) No ‘fire balloons’ or any incendiary shall be sent airborne.
“There are other preventative measures, I’m sure, but they depend on the city’s desire to enforce laws. Thank you for your consideration.”
The council members unanimously responded that the only manageable solution is “A” above. Since there are few resources available to cite “crimes and misdemeanors,” I have to agree.