Beach Fires Guidelines and Responsible Practices

As the weather gets warmer, it’s crucial for all residents and visitors to keep our beaches clean and safe. City staff has seen a significant increase in beach fires with wood and nail-ridden pallets being burned directly in the sand, leaving behind charcoal remnants and nails. Aside from being a safety hazard and dirtying our beach, this is also prohibited per City of Solana Beach municipal code. The city has previously issued warnings to beachgoers for illegal beach fires, but unfortunately the trend has continued, and violators may be cited moving forward. To report an illegal beach fire, please reach out to Marine Safety by calling 858-259-3901 between the hours of 8:00 AM-7:00 PM. 

Fires on the Beach Guidelines

To ensure everyone’s safety and enjoyment, Solana Beach has established clear guidelines for fires on the beach.

Fires are allowed only between 8:00 AM and 10:00 PM. Starting or maintaining fires outside of these hours is against local regulations.

All fires must be contained within city-approved fire devices that meet specific criteria:

• They should not exceed 3 feet in diameter.
• The device must be elevated off the ground.
• It should have a solid metal bottom and sides to enclose the fire safely.
• Only charcoal, clean wood, propane, or paper may be burned.

The following actions are strictly prohibited:

• Fires directly on the sand or in makeshift pits.
• Burning pallets or any wood containing nails, screws, bolts, or other hardware.
• Leaving fires unattended at any time.
• Disposing of burnt materials in the sand or city trash cans (pack-in, pack-out policy applies).
• Consumption of alcoholic beverages on the beach or in the park areas.

Violators are subject to fines of up to $1000 per violation.

Safety Reminders

Beyond adhering to these guidelines, it’s imperative to consider safety measures:

Cliffside Caution: Beach fires should be set at least 10 feet away from cliff edges due to their instability. Beachgoers are advised to maintain a safe distance to prevent accidents.

Environmental Respect: Help preserve our beaches by adhering to the Pack-in, Pack-out policy. This means any items brought to the beach, including burnt materials, must be taken away when leaving. Dumping burnt material in city trash bins can cause them to ignite and leak, creating environmental hazards.

Community Responsibility

Maintaining the beauty and safety of Solana Beach is a collective effort. While lifeguards oversee daytime activities, nighttime adherence to regulations relies on community responsibility. Instances of alcohol consumption and graffiti on seawalls not only violate local laws but also compromise the natural beauty of our coastline.

By following these guidelines and respecting our natural surroundings, we can all contribute to a safe and enjoyable summer for residents and visitors alike. For more detailed information, refer to Solana Beach Municipal Code 11.12.020(B).

Let’s work together to protect and cherish our beloved beach environment. Together, we can ensure a summer filled with memories of fun, safety, and respect for Solana Beach.