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Stop The Fire Ban

Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA) is now accepting public comment on a proposal to ban beach fires at Ocean Beach.

We beleive that fires on Ocean Beach are an essential part of San Francisco's culture!

This diverse community would like to explore alternatives with the GGNRA to address specific issues regarding fires at Ocean Beach.

GGNRA will be accepting public comments through April 15, 2006. And policy changes are expected to be effective on May 1, 2006. You can read more about the public comments here.

With your help we can extend the public comment period and explore alternative solutions!

[NEW] Public Comment period extended to May 31!

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Talking Points

There has been no public annoucement from GGNRA of their intention to ban fires

In the middle of the public comment period, GGNRS announced announced their intention to ban fires, with no further public meetings.

Key point: we need more time for public comments.

MANY alternative solutions are possible! And apparently your comments are more effective if you propose an alternative. Many beach users do tend to agree that the current status quo isn't working. Here are some proposed alternatives:

  • education-- getting the word out about no glass/metal
  • signage at the beach
  • permits which require people to know the rules before building a fire
  • numbered sites with a self-permitting system (again to ensure education)
  • fire rings (such as those often found in SoCal)
  • clean wood sales-- selling metal-free wood at the beach

    Fires are limited to only a small section of Ocean Beach

    Public comment will now be accepted through May 31, 2006.

GGNRA Facts

1. In FY2005, GGNRA spent approximately $90,000 cleaning up after beach fires and responding to law enforcement calls related to beach fires.

2. Ocean Beach fires are considered a nuisance by beach visitors who complain about hazardous litter, including nails, hot coals, and broken glass. Richmond and Sunset neighbors also complain about smoke and increased crime in their neighborhoods.

3. When asked for input on fire policy, some citizens have asked the park to continue to allow this use, with increased patrols and enforcement, while others have asked that this use be discontinued.

More info here

Solutions

Consider creating a permitting process that is similar to the permitting process used by the National Forest Service

Create signs on the beach that indicate where fires can be burned and what can be in the fire

If people want to burn something with staples or nails, require burn platforms or fire rings to be used

The GGNRA can build public fire rings to be used

Impose strict fines for anybody burning anything other than wood.

Create flyers and post them in the Safeway near the beach where most people buy their wood

Create more clean-up days in conjunction with local organizations