Help Save Bonfires on Ocean Beach | The Cliff House

Submitted by the Event Organizer

The National Park Service hosts a public meeting at the Cliff House to discuss the current situation with bonfires at Ocean Beach and the to get the public’s input.

There’s been tons of violations recently (glass bottles, nail ridden pallets, fires outside the designated firepits). So come to the Cliff House and have your say if you want bonfires to be allowed (safely we hope) on the beach.

Source: The Bold Italic

Current Beach Fire Regulations
Beach fires are only permitted at:

• Muir Beach: The number of fire rings available changes seasonally. May – November: 6 fire rings are available. December – April: 3 fire rings are available. They are located on the beach near the south end of the parking lot. Fires are allowed beginning at 9:00 am and must be cleared and groups must vacate the beach by 1-hour after sunset.
• Ocean Beach: Only in the fire rings provided, between Stairwells 15 and 20. See below for more details.

Fires on Ocean Beach

IMPORTANT NOTE: On Friday, May 23, 2014 NPS announced the implementation of revisions to the existing fire program on Ocean Beach, in the context of a Revised Pilot Program for beach fires. Revisions were proposed because of the immense amount of NPS staff effort needed for maintaining a clean and safe beach as a result of the visitors who are non-compliant with the fire program rules and regulations.

All of the pilot program details can be found here: http://parkplanning.nps.gov/oceanbeachfires

Rules for Beach Fires: 

• Fires are only allowed WITHIN the provided concrete fire rings. Any fires created outside of these rings are illegal.

• NO GLASS OR ALCOHOL is allowed on the beach.

• Fires must be out by 9:00 PM.

• The parking lots at Ocean Beach close at 10:00 PM each night and are owned and managed by the City of San Francisco.

• Fires are not allowed on “Spare the Air” days. When air pollution reaches unhealthy levels, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District notifies the public by declaring a “Spare the Air day.” To find out if today is a “Spare the Air” day, visit www.sparetheair.org or call 1-800-HELP-AIR.

• Fires must be extinguished with WATER ONLY. Bring a bucket to collect ocean water, or bring your own water. Covering the fire with sand only insulates the hot coals and fills the pits with sand.

• Burn only untreated, unpainted wood.

• Don’t burn pallets or any wood containing nails or other hardware.

• Bring your own firewood. Gathering, cutting or scavenging of firewood or kindling is not permitted at the beach or in the park. Locally grown firewood is best.

• Burn Clean. Do not use accelerants such as lighter fluid, as they leave pollution and poisons in the sand and the air. Paper and kindling are preferred fire starter material.

• Don’t burn trash or debris. Most trash gives off pollution and poisonous gases.

• Refuse must be removed from the beach. LEAVE NO TRACE.

• Fires shall be attended at all times by a responsible adult (18 year of age or older).

• Minors must be supervised by one person 21 or over for each 10 people under 18.

• Groups of more than 25 people must obtain a permit by calling 415-561-4700. The administrative cost for the permit is $50.00.

• Large-scale events may require more extensive review by National Park Service staff. If it is determined that your event will require extensive review, the administrative cost may be higher. Observe all posted regulations.

Disclaimer: Please double check event information with the event organizer as events can be canceled, details can change after they are added to our calendar, and errors do occur.