Beach fire season is in full swing in Atlantic Beach and permits are now being accepted for anyone planning to have a gathering on the beach with a fire.
Atlantic Beach’s fire season began Nov. 1 and will end Feb. 28.
However, the City of Atlantic Beach has certain regulations in place to help ensure that everyone can be safe while enjoying a fire on the beach, such as a fire must always be attended to by a responsible adult 21 years of age or older.
Certain regulations focus on the location chosen for a fire, as it must not block beach access ramps so that city vehicles can have entry onto the beach if needed, and it should not be set up against or in beach dunes with vegetation.
No personal vehicles will be allowed on the beach at any time, even for those approved to have a fire.
Being aware of weather conditions is always a good safety tip at the beach no matter the time of year, but especially during fire season, as the City of Atlantic Beach advises using good judgement by checking the wind first and not lighting fires in windy conditions.
Another rule in place as always is that applicants granted access for a fire are responsible for making sure no one in their party disturbs the beach topography and vegetation in place, and any violators who do will be subject to a $5,000 fine for violation of the Florida state ordinance.
The size of a fire is another thing to be followed, as large bonfires are not allowed on the beach and instead campfires are required to remain at a size no larger than two feet by two feet in its perimeter and one foot deep.
Because a portion of fire season also falls in the midst of the holidays, the City of Atlantic Beach does not allow the burning of Christmas trees or pallets on the beach.
Some regulations are in place throughout the year and remain so, such as no alcoholic beverages, glass containers or fireworks on the beach.
All fires must be fully extinguished and not left to burn or smolder by 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, but an extra hour is provided on Friday and Saturday with the time being 11 p.m.
According to the City of Atlantic Beach, anyone parking on 18th Street will need to wrap up their night sooner, as the parking lot closes at 9 p.m.
All campfire ashes and debris must be removed from the beach and all fire pits must be filled in and leveled with the surrounding area by the approved applicant and all trash must be picked up and placed either in the trash barrels along the beach or in bags next to the barrels.
Not complying with the regulations in place may lead to the event being shut down, being assigned additional damage/clean-up fees and losing the right for future approval of fires along the beach.
