Beach fires—are you sure about that?

Location. Location. Location.

Let’s start with the three places where no one should build a beach fire on the beach or in the Ocean Shore State Recreation Area:

1. Upwind of any shoreline vegetation (dune grass, brush, or other vegetation), small wood debris, or large logs and driftwood accumulations.
2. Never inside dunes, within areas of small wood debris or vegetation, nor near large logs and driftwood accumulations.
3. Within 25 feet of beach access points, shoreline vegetation (dune grass), large logs and driftwood accumulations, or seawalls constructed of wood or other combustible material (it’s a state rule).

Beach fires in other areas may be temporarily prohibited because of high fire hazard risk. Look for signs at beach access points for specific information or check for current campfire/flame restrictions here.

Beach fires also are not allowed in designated western snowy plover management areas. See more information about these management areas that are protected by legislation here.

Where’s a safe place to build a beach fire?

It’s simple. On the open dry or wet sand in an area far away from the locations above and where it won’t cause damage to private property, park facilities, or natural resources.

Small is better and firewood matters.        

Have you found a safe spot for a beach fire? The next thing to consider is the fire size and what to use to build the fire.

1. A beach fire can be no larger than a three-foot cube (wood and flame height combined). If you want a larger fire for a special event or activity, you must get a Special Use Permit from OPRD.
2. Use paper products and untreated natural wood without attached metal, nails, glass, or plastic items. To prevent the spread of the emerald ash borer, buy locally harvested firewood at or near your destination or certified heat-treated firewood ahead of time. Briquettes and compressed wood fire logs without wax or petroleum products are prohibited.
3. Don’t use gasoline, diesel, or any other petroleum-based products to start a fire.

Remember that beach fires should never be left burning or unattended.

Put it out

When it’s time to leave, you must completely extinguish the fire. Use water to extinguish the fire and any remaining burned wood or coals. Pour water on the fire carefully, avoiding getting it on the surrounding hot sand to prevent it from splashing onto you or others. Break the wet wood apart to prevent possible reignition.

One final note: fires may not be covered with sand (OAR 736-021-0120(1)(e)). Do not use sand to extinguish a fire. The sand acts as an insulator for the fire and coals and will remain very hot for a long time, potentially burning the bare feet of others.

General Ocean Shore State Recreation Area Rules provide more information about specific rules for beach fires. Any fire-related rule violation is considered a Class A violation and may result in one or more of the following penalties: a citation of up to $440, an order to leave, or an exclusion from the Ocean Shore State Recreation Area.

Look for signs at beach access points for specific information and learn more about Oregon’s beach fire rules here.