On November 1st, the second Ocean Beach No-Burn season kicked off. Its 16 fire pits were removed or locked, and fires will not be permitted on the shore until March 1st.
The no-fire season first started in 2016 to improve air quality during the winter Spare the Air season. In winter, particulate matter pollution increases as residents burn wood in fireplaces to stay warm.
The National Park Service, which manages Ocean Beach as part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, will also give the fire pits a thorough cleansing during the hiatus.
The winter season is also when the beach sees the least amount of visitors, a GGNRA spokesperson told us last year.
Scofflaws who light illicit bonfires on Ocean Beach run the risk of receiving warnings, citations, and arrests, the GGNRA warned on its website. Violators could also be held liable with a $5,000 fine and/or 6 months in jail.