Beachgoers enjoy fire pits at Stuart Beach on Sunday, Feb. 20, 2022, on Hutchinson Island in Martin County. Beach fires can be held at designated fire pits from November to February with a permit purchased through Martin County Parks and Recreation. Tcn Bonfires
San Diego, California – A beloved coastal tradition could be extinguished as San Diego city officials propose eliminating beach fire pits and closing some public restrooms in an effort to close a massive $258 million budget deficit.
Mayor Todd Gloria’s draft budget for the 2026 fiscal year includes a controversial plan to remove 184 fire pits across San Diego beaches and Mission Bay, a move expected to save the city over $135,000 annually. The proposal has sparked mixed reactions from residents and beachgoers who view the fire pits as a cornerstone of community gatherings and California beach culture.
“It’s about people gathering,” said William Ellis, a frequent visitor to La Jolla Shores. “People come out here, and they make a fire, and they gather around it. As Californians, they’re so open to inviting anybody in and sharing their fire and marshmallows. It’s just a great thing here.”
Others, like recent graduate Micah Kim, say the fire pits are central to their memories. “We’re celebrating graduation out here around the fire. It’s a tradition for a lot of us,” Kim said.
In addition to the proposed removal of fire rings, the budget also recommends closing select public restrooms at beaches and parks from November through March — a measure projected to save more than $1 million per year. City officials argue the closures reflect seasonal decreases in visitor traffic. For example, 13 out of 28 bathrooms at Mission Bay Park would be closed during the winter months, while Balboa Park would see 7 of 23 restrooms shuttered.
Some residents, like Steve Jones, support the seasonal bathroom closures, seeing them as a necessary step to protect essential services. “I believe it’s a good thing… It’ll help balance the budget and avoid cuts to more important resources like police and fire,” he said.
However, not everyone is convinced the savings justify the losses. Rogelio Huerta voiced concern about the potential impact on community life and tourism. “No, $135,000 isn’t worth it,” Huerta said. “Maybe you invest a little more in managing the resources before you take away the public’s benefits.”
Christian Barroso, on the other hand, supports the removal of fire pits due to safety and cleanliness concerns. “I don’t think it’s very safe having these fire pits around,” he said.
According to the mayor’s office, eliminating the fire rings could also reduce noise complaints, illegal activity, and cleanup costs associated with maintaining the pits.
The City Council is expected to review the draft budget this month, with public hearings and comments encouraged ahead of the final budget vote in June. If approved, the changes would impact popular coastal areas including La Jolla, Mission Beach, Pacific Beach, and Ocean Beach.
As residents weigh in, many wonder if the potential loss of fire pits could signal the beginning of more drastic changes to San Diego’s treasured public spaces.
