SAN DIEGO – With beach fire rings about to fall to the city’s budget ax, the county stepped in to provide a $135,000 grant to fund their maintenance for the next fiscal year.
The county’s offer came in response to San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria’s proposed budget, which called for removing fire rings to help trim the city’s projected $258 million budget shortfall.
On June 12, the county voted to accept a grant to help fund beach fire rings in the city for fiscal year 2026, which runs from July 1 to June 30. The budget for this fiscal year was approved by the San Diego City Council on June 10.
The county will be contributing financially to the maintenance of the fire rings during this time frame, offering this grant as a backstop. The city will retain responsibility for operating the fire rings. Grant funding will ensure that fire rings, a popular beach amenity, remain available to the public.
San Diego beaches allow fires in designated fire rings or containers, but open beach fires outside of these are prohibited. Fires are not allowed between midnight and 5 a.m., and burning rubbish is also prohibited.
Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer, vice chair of the Board of Supervisors since 2023, said preserving beach fire rings was essential because they are part of the fabric holding the community together.
“I believe in protecting the places that bring us together,” she said. “These fire pits are part of our shared story as San Diegans, places where people connect across generations and backgrounds. Hundreds of people reached out to share their memories of enjoying the fire pits.
“In a time when life has gotten so expensive for so many people, it is wonderful to have somewhere free to go and enjoy the beautiful outdoors, and come together with family and neighbors and kids. This effort was about giving the community time to come together around a long-term solution, without losing an asset that matters so much to our region. I’m grateful to Council President Joe LaCava for his partnership,” she said.
“The public spoke up about the elimination of the fire rings,” LaCava said during his remarks on approval of the city’s FY 2026 budget. “Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer heard and offered a one-time grant to fund the rings for another year. That will carry us until we can find sustainable funding. And the rings will be located where they can be best enjoyed while minimizing negative impacts.”
Added LaCava: “I also want to give a shout-out to Supervisor Lawson-Remer for recognizing the budget-shortfall challenges, and being willing to find (funds) to restore fire rings on our beaches and bay. I want to thank her for stepping up and for her leadership and approach. We will make sure that when we restore those fire rings, we will do it thoughtfully and safely, so people can enjoy it, and it does not impact our environment.”
The proposed elimination of beach fire rings from the budget drew criticism from residents and government officials alike. Even the California Coastal Commission stepped in to challenge the potential removal of beach fire rings.
In a letter sent recently to Gloria, the Coastal Commission characterized beach fire rings as “some of the region’s most popular amenities,” while pointing out that removing them would “limit lower-cost public access to the coast, which is protected under the California Coastal Act.”
The California Coastal Act is a law enacted in 1976 designed to protect and manage the state’s coastline. It aims to balance development with the preservation of natural resources, public access, and recreational opportunities. The act established the California Coastal Commission, a regulatory body responsible for implementing and enforcing its provisions.
Beach fire regulations
Some California beaches allow fires, mostly during certain months and within provided fire rings. Each beach has different rules and regulations regarding fires.
How to get a fire ring: Arrive at the beach early to claim your fire ring. Most are first-come, first-serve. With a limited number, they get taken fast.
Rules: Open beach fires outside containers are prohibited at all San Diego beaches. Fires are not allowed between midnight and 5 a.m. The burning of trash is prohibited.
Currently, only wood, charcoal, or paper products may be used as fuel. Fuel for the fire may not exceed a height of more than 12 inches above the upper edge of the fire container. The fire must be extinguished before leaving the beach. Coals must be removed or deposited in hot coal containers.
Locations of fire rings: San Diego has approximately 180 beach fire rings scattered across locations including Pacific Beach, Mission Beach, and Ocean Beach. Many are seasonal, available during the summer months only.
Specific locations include La Jolla Shores 7 (summer only), Mission Beach 5 (summer only), South Mission Beach 11 (7 summer only); Ocean Beach 9 (summer only); Mission Bay Park: Mission Point 1 (year-round), Bonita Cove 5 (year-round), Mariner’s Point 8 (year-round), Ventura Cove 9 (year-round); Dana Inn area: Sunset Park 3, Dana Landing 2; Vacation Isle: Vacation Isle-Southside 12, Vacation Isle-Paradise Point 16, Vacation Isle-North Cove 4, Ski Beach 13, Crown Point Shores 17, East Mission Bay Drive Area: De Anza Cove 8, De Anza Boat Launch 2, Playa Pacifica 11, Hilton-North 2, Hilton-South 3, Fiesta Island 35, South Shores 2. Total in Mission Bay Park: 153.
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