san Diego faces a projected $258 million budget deficit, prompting city officials to explore various cost-cutting measures. One proposal gaining attention is the elimination of beach fire rings, a popular amenity for both residents and tourists. Mayor Todd Gloria’s draft budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year includes this measure as part of a broader effort to reduce ongoing expenses across city departments.

The Financial Reality

The proposed $5.65 billion spending plan aims to minimize widespread service cuts, but some amenities, like the fire rings, are on the chopping block. According to city spokesperson Benny Cartwright, the removal of the roughly 180 fire rings scattered across city beaches coudl begin as early as this summer, contingent on staffing levels. The anticipated savings would stem from reduced maintenance and staff hours.

The projected savings is approximately $135,000 annually. this helps close the budget deficit by eliminating an ongoing annual expenditure within Parks and Recreation Department’s operating budget.

Benny Cartwright, City Spokesperson

A History of controversy

This isn’t the first time San Diego has considered removing the fire rings. Similar proposals surfaced in 2008 and 2010 during previous budget crises. On those occasions, public donations, including a $90,000 contribution from the San Diego Foundation, helped preserve the rings. Bob Kelly,former president and CEO of the foundation,emphasized the rings’ significance beyond simple beach bonfires.

It’s an iconic image of San Diego and it’s been part of our culture for forever.

Bob Kelly, Former President and CEO of the San Diego Foundation

Kelly recalled the community’s strong support for the fire rings during past budget cuts, highlighting thier importance as a low-cost, family-amiable public space.

People with little income can go out and enjoy the beach. That’s rare.

Bob Kelly, Former President and CEO of the San Diego Foundation

foundation’s Focus Shifts

Though, the San diego Foundation may not be in a position to offer the same level of support this time around. Spokesperson Theresa Nakata stated that the foundation is currently prioritizing its strategic plan and its fiftieth fundraising campaign. The foundation declined to comment on its past support or its current focus.

Council Weighs Tough Choices

Councilmember Jennifer Campbell, also Vice Chair of the city’s Surroundings Committee, acknowledged the challenging decisions facing the city council.

With the current budget deficit,we are having to make some tough decisions about what we can and cannot fund in the upcoming fiscal year. In the Mayor’s proposed FY26 Budget, the Beach Fire Ring Program reduction is only one of several reductions proposed for the Parks & Recreation Department. While I understand that it may be disappointing for some that the City-provided beach and bay fire rings may not be available this year,this is the financial reality we are facing this year. We must preserve funding to the best of our ability for core City services like police, libraries, and infrastructure repairs.

Councilmember Jennifer campbell, Vice Chair of the city’s environment Committee

Beyond Budget Savings

Cartwright also pointed out potential benefits beyond cost savings, suggesting that removing the fire rings could improve air quality and reduce late-night gatherings and associated illicit activities, particularly in high-traffic beach areas. This could also lessen the burden on police enforcement and maintenance services.

The city’s website explicitly prohibits beach fires outside of city-approved fire rings, meaning that lighting fires directly on the sand or using makeshift pits is illegal. Propane-powered devices, however, would remain a legal alternative.

Illegal fires may be easier to enforce given that any wood fires burning on the beach would now be illegal since they are not contained within a city-provided fire ring.

Benny Cartwright, City Spokesperson

however, cartwright conceded that eliminating the fire rings might not deter beachgoers from lighting fires altogether, perhaps pushing them to less regulated areas with fewer safety measures and increased cleanup challenges. He noted that fires without city-approved rings often leave behind hazardous debris like nails and screws.

Next Steps

The City Council will address the issue during its May 19 meeting as part of the budget process. Residents are encouraged to attend and provide feedback before the final vote, scheduled for June 10.