California Beaches Blog

Sacramento, CA–The case of the California beach bonfire rings stretches all the way to Sacramento where budget cuts at the State Capitol resulted in a new chart spelling out cuts to state beaches and parks. One of the line items with an “X” was the bonfire rings at 7 Southern California beaches. See list

We contacted the public relations department of the State Parks and received clarification. “The “X” means that some or all of the rings will be removed,” said Sheryl A. Watson, Information Officer.

This is a big deal to those seeking bonfire enjoyment at the beaches. As one of the top destination experiences, the beach bonfire is a time honored tradition and much touted in promotional brochures and magazines to attract tourists to the beaches and cities along the California coast.

CaliforniaBeaches.com staff called Bolsa Chica State Beach offices and was told as of today that no rings have been removed (for now). It wasn’t an answer that you can hang your hat on for the future. We will try post information as we find it.

According to Watson, ” there are no bonfires on beaches, only ‘warming fires’. The rings are small. ”

Here is some safety information provide by California State Parks:

“Bare feet in the sand and burning coals don’t mix.”

1. Burn only within the established metal or concrete fire pits - usually 2-3 feet in diameter.

2. Wood must be free of nails or other fasteners.

3. Burn good wood must be natural. Nothing pressure treated.

“It’s all about safety”

• If you burn a fire right on the sand, eventually it gets covered up and causes serious burns to the bare feet of unsuspecting beach goers.
• Nails left in the established fire pits get blown out by the wind where people have stepped on them.
• Burning chemically treated wood causes the chemicals to become airborne and could make people sick or cause serious illness. No pier pilings (creosote). Pallets, telephone poles.