A debate heating up about fire rings on the beach could have far-reaching consequences, possibly extinguishing an iconic beach tradition some have enjoyed for generations.

The burning question about whether bonfires should be allowed on the beach has two neighboring cities – Newport Beach and Huntington Beach – on different sides of the debate. Newport city officials are hoping to eliminate the fire rings, while Huntington Beach says it could lose more than $1 million in revenue if fire rings are removed.

The city of Huntington Beach, the Chamber of Commerce and the Huntington Beach Marketing and Visitors Bureau have banded together to form a campaign to ask supporters to sign a petition, encouraging supporters of the fire pits to attend a meeting at the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) Thursday morning in Diamond Bar.

“The fire rings have been an important part of our beach experience for over 60 years,” a press release sent out by the chamber reads. “They provide an affordable means of gathering family and friends on Southern California shores to celebrate our outdoor beach lifestyle while enjoying the glow of a warm fire.”

The issue has come up because the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) is pushing to ban burning in beach areas. If the AQMD board decides to ban open fires, it could have repercussions for beaches in Los Angeles and Orange counties, areas over which the district has jurisdiction.

The board is only taking up the issue of beach bonfires at this time, said Sam Atwood, spokesman for the Diamond Bar-based agency. Atwood said the Bay Area’s AQMD has already issued a ruling that bans beach bonfires during the winter months. However, if the South Coast AQMD decides to ban beach bonfires, that would be a year-round prohibition, he said.

“The board will look into rules that could affect (California State Parks) and camp sites at a later time,” Atwood said.

Beach bonfires are in high demand along Orange County’s coastline. On some holiday weekends people line up at 6 a.m. to claim a spot. Hundreds dot the coast in Bolsa Chica and Huntington City beaches, with more at such locations as Doheny State Beach and San Clemente.

The Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce has issued a statement in support of keeping fire rings on beaches.

The issue started heating up on March 6 when the California Coastal Commission reviewed a request by Newport Beach to remove 60 fire rings.

Coastal Commission staff recommended keeping the fire rings, stating that removing them would be inconsistent with the Coastal Act, which requires low-cost recreational facilities that draw diverse groups to a “unique recreational area” be preserved.

Newport Beach City Manager Dave Kiff told commissioners that the fire rings prevent tens of thousands of people with health problems such as asthma from enjoying the beach.

City officials said they would replace the rings with amenities everyone can use such as volleyball and basketball courts and additional picnic areas.

The commission delayed a decision because the AQMD board plans to take up the issue. The AQMD cited a number of scientific studies in recommending that wood-burning fireplaces not be used in homes. However, the agency’s regulations exempt open recreational fires such as beach bonfires.

On May 3, the AQMD’s board is expected to revisit the issue and consider removing that exemption.

The AQMD is also holding a public hearing on the issue at 9 a.m. Thursday at the agency’s headquarters, 21865 Copley Drive in Diamond Bar.

The debate around bonfires has been going on for years. In 2002, the state threatened to remove 800 rings at Bolsa Chica, Huntington, Doheny and San Clemente due to budget cuts, threats of litigation and air quality concerns. The issue cooled off after bonfire enthusiasts cried out, and the rings remained.

Huntington Beach officials view the AQMD’s proposal as a loss to the community – and the income it draws in.

“The State of California and local beach cities earn substantial income from those who enjoy these bonfire rings,” the statement reads.

In addition to an estimated $1 million lost in direct parking revenue to the city, the chamber stated that California state parks in Orange County – which receive more than 11.9 million visitors annually – would lose $19 million dollars in revenue.

A Facebook page has been set up for supporters at Facebook.com/SaveTheBonfireRings, and the Huntington group is asking supporters to send petitions and letters directly to the AQMD at 21865 Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, CA 91765.

Contact the writer: lconnelly@ocregister.com