Politics & Government

San Juan Capo May Weigh in on Proposed Beach Fire Pit Ban

In response to Newport Beach's anti-bonfire efforts, a local councilman wants San Juan Capistrano to take a pro-fire ring stance.

We may not have a coastline, but San Juan Capistrano city leaders want to give their two cents in the debate over beach fire rings.

The move comes after the city of Newport Beach asked a state commission for permission to remove 60 fire pits along its beaches, citing health concerns. Another agency, the Air Quality Control Management District, will make the final decision, expected as early as this week, although it may be postponed.

So far, Orange County supervisors and the cities of San Clemente and Huntington Beach have come out against the ban.

Now Councilman Derek Reeve wants San Juan Capistrano to weigh in. He has placed the issue on Tuesday’s City Council agenda.

“The residents of San Juan Capistrano, all of whom live in close proximity to the beach, have a long cultural history of beachside enjoyment through both our families and organizations, such as the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts,” Reeve wrote to his fellow councilmen.

“A critical component of said enjoyment includes gathering around a fire for warmth, food and camaraderie. A ban on beach burning would devastate this important cultural tradition and potentially negatively impact the local economy,” Reeve wrote.

The council meets at 6 p.m. Tuesday at City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto in San Juan Capistrano.

DO YOU BELIEVE BEACH FIRE PITS HARM AIR QUALITY? IF THEY DO, DO YOU THINK THE GOOD THEY BRING OUTWEIGHS THE BAD? TELL US IN THE COMMENTS.


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