Coastal Commission gives into Carmel over beach bonfire debate

The beach bonfire battle is heating up in Carmel. In the fuel debate over wood versus propane, the California Coastal Commission on Fridaysided with city leaders.

In a 5 to 4 vote, the commission voted down its own staff recommendation of allowing 26 wood burning fire rings on Carmel Beach. Ultimately siding with city leaders who don’t want wood burning fires at all.

“Our City Council has discussed this on several occasions. They have indicated that they can only support a program that involves propane fueled fires because it’s a cleaner burning fuel,” said Robert Mullane, director of public works for Carmel-By-The-Sea.

The decision came down after more than 20 residents spoke at the hearing against wood burning fires, causing commissioners to vote in favor of the city.

“There’s several people in the community, residents and visitors alike, that have health issues or health concerns that really preclude them from going down to the beach or to the shoreline area at all when there are beach fires occurring,” said Mullane.

Others have expressed environmental concerns from charcoal and burned driftwood contaminating the city’s famed white beach.

In August, the council temporarily banned bonfires on holidays and weekends without getting the Coastal Commission’s approval. City leaders said that issue did come up but in the end both sides are looking to work together.

“Everybody is in agreement that the status quo cannot continue, there is a problem that were trying to solve. The solution is out there and were going to hopefully be able to work with the coastal commission staff on finding a mutually acceptable solution,” said Mullane.