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HomeMy WebLinkAbout16 - Balboa and Corona del Mar Beach Fire Ring���WPORT CITY OF C9[cORN`P City Council Staff Report Agenda Item No. 16 March 13, 2012 TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL FROM: Recreation & Senior Services Department Laura Detweiler, Recreation & Senior Services Director 949- 644 -3157, LDetweiler @newportbeachca.gov APPROVED: � A" TITLE: Balboa and Corona del Mar Beach Fire Rings /e1:1.11:LT91 9 The City Council requested the Parks, Beaches and Recreation (PB &R) Commission review issues related to the City's beach fire rings, examine options to remedy these concerns and forward a recommendation for City Council's consideration. The PB &R Commission discussed this item at their February 7, 2012 meeting and voted 4 -3 in favor of removing all beach fire rings located in Newport Beach. RECOMMENDATION: Direct staff to take the necessary steps to remove the sixty (60) fire rings at Big Corona and the Balboa Pier areas. FUNDING REQUIREMENTS: There are no additional funding appropriations being requested for this item at this time. Depending on the direction of City Council, additional funding appropriations may be requested. DISCUSSION: Concrete fire rings are located on the beach in two areas including Corona del Mar (27 fire rings) and the Balboa Pier area (33 fire rings). While fire rings are appreciated by many beachgoers, concerns have been raised about them, including: o Health impacts to nearby residents and other beachgoers due to smoke and particulate matter from the beach fires. Balboa and Corona del Mar Beach Fire Rings March 13, 2012 Page 2 U Safety of fire ring users and other beachgoers when hot ash is not doused or disposed of properly, or when individuals are injured after falling near or in a fire ring. Staff provided several options for the PB &R Commission to consider at their February 7, 2012 meeting, including the following: • Partial and full removal of fire rings. • Limit hours of operation of fire rings. • Limit types of burning product (i.e. Duraflame roasting logs which burn 60% cleaner than wood). This will require staffing to monitor and sell logs. • Fire rings remain as they currently exist. Nineteen members of the public spoke in favor of removing the fire rings and cited health related concerns including child safety, air quality hazards related to smoke; the presence of toxic fumes, burning embers floating in the air, the burning of hazardous materials in the rings, Air Quality Management District restrictions that now ban fireplaces in new housing developments as a result of burning wood impacts, and the related risks of cancer. No members of the public spoke in favor of retaining the fire rings. Two members of the PB &R Commission provided suggestions that included investigating replacement with gas fire rings and the importance of an air quality study supporting removal. Staff also conducted research to gather information related to fire rings located in Southern California, which is provided in Attachment A. Further information collected and provided by PB &R Commissioner Hamilton related to health and safety concerns is provided in Attachment B. Correspondence from the public received prior to and after the February 7, 2012, Commission meeting is provided in Attachment C. An excerpt of the draft minutes of the PB &R Commission February 7, 2012 meeting is provided in Attachment D. Because some of the fire rings are located on state property (Corona del Mar), and all of the fire rings are located in the coastal zone, they are therefore subject to the jurisdiction of the California Coastal Commission. If directed by the City Council to move forward with the recommendation of the PB &R Commission, staff will consult with the appropriate government agencies to obtain prior approval or permits prior to removing the fire rings. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW: Staff recommends that the City Council find this activity to be categorically exempt under the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act under Class 4 (Minor Alterations to Land) in that removal of the concrete fire rings would require cleaning of Balboa and Corona del Mar Beach Fire Rings March 13, 2012 Page 3 the sand and minor backfilling to restore the surface. This class of projects has been determined not to have a significant effect on the environment and is exempt from the provisions of CEQA. This activity is also covered by the general rule that CEQA applies only to projects that have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment (Section 15061(b)(3)) of the CEQA Guidelines. NOTICING: The agenda item has been noticed according to the Brown Act (72 hours in advance of the meeting at which the City Council considers the item). Public notices were distributed to residences within 500 feet of the fire rings as well as five homeowners associations to include Corona del Mar Residents Association, Central Newport Beach Community Association, West Newport Beach Association, Balboa Village Business Improvement District and Balboa Peninsula Point Association. Submitted by: fa Detweiler, Director Recreation & Senior Services Department Attachments: A. Southern California Fire Ring Information and Regulations B. Research Materials Provided by Commissioner Hamilton C. Correspondence Received by the Public D. Excerpt of Draft Minutes of PB &R Commission 2/7/12 Meeting ATTACHMENT 0 So. Cal. Fire Ring Information Approx. Homes Number Of within 300 Fire Rings Campground Curfew Ft. Also Beach Orange « • County) 7 Balboa Pier (City • Newport Beach) 33 Bolsa Chica State Beach 182 Cabrillo Beach (City • SanPedro /LA) 6 Corona del Mar State Beach 27 Coronado North Beach (City Coronado/ SD) 4 Dockweiler State Beach 90 Doheny State Beach 32 Harbor Beach (City Oceanside) 24 Huntington City Beach 83 Huntington State Beach 200 r LaJolla Shores (City Lalolla /SD) 6 Mission Bay (City San • • Diego) 186 Ocean City (San Diego) 0 0 Beach 8 Pier View (City Oceanside) 11 • San Clemente City Beach 9 0 • San Clemente State • Beach 160 San Onofre State Beach 200 0 Silver Strand State Beach 6 0 South Carlsbad State • Beach 222 Thornhill Broom, Point . Magu State Beach 37 Southern California Fire Ring Information and Regulations Summary of Beach Fire Ring Regulations City of Newport Beach Regulations: The fire rings within the City of Newport Beach are available for use on a Arst come, first served basis. There are 33 fire rings at the Balboa Pier, west of the Balboa parking lot, and at B Street on the south side of the pier. Additionally, there are 27 fire rings at the north -end of Corona del Mar State Beach. They are available year -round during the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. Fires on the beach are only permitted in the designated fire rings. Only wood is permitted to be burned in the rings. No pallet burning is allowed as the fire must be contained within the total fuel area. Orange County Regulations: Fire rings are available on a first come first serve basis, you must be present to reserve a fire ring. There is a 10pm curfew for county parks with fire rings. Any belongings left to reserve a fire ring that is unattended will be removed. Grill screens may be added for barbeque purposes to the fire ring. Personal barbecues of any type are not allowed, fire is to remain in fire rings only. One fire ring per group "ONLY ". Ventura County Regulations: Outdoor fires (in fire rings) shall not be built, ignited or maintained in or under the following conditions: 1. When high winds are blowing 2. When a person 17 years old is not present at all times to watch and tend such fire 3. When a public announcement is made that open burning is prohibited. *Ventura County Fire Code, M104.6 Outdoor Fires, Passed and Adopted November 2010. Los Angeles County Regulations: No barbecues or bonfires are allowed on any of the Los Angeles County Beaches (or parking lots) except in the fire pits at Dockweiler Beach. *County Code section 17.12,370 San Diego County Regulations: No person using a park stove or fire ring shall permit such stove or fire ring to remain in any untidy or unsanitary condition, nor shall any such person fail to clear away there from all cooking and eating utensils and waste matter after use thereof. Any person who uses a park stove or fire ring, when such use is completed, shall completely extinguish the fire therein `County Code section 41.119 Stoves and Fire Rings City of Oceanside Regulations: Fire Rings: Fire rings are available on a first come first serve basis. Fires are allowed in designated City fire rings ONLY. No fires are allowed from 11:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. daily. There is no curfew on fire rings at Harbor Beach. All wood must be no longer than 30 inches in length and must not be allowed to rise above the height of the fire ring more than 2 feet. You must attend your fire at all times. Any unattended wood will be removed and disposed of. No chemically treated wood is allowed. The use of pallets is forbidden. Do not cut or break apart wood on the beach, street, walkways, or parking areas. When finished, extinguish embers or fires with WATER ONLY — NOT SAND! If you wish to bring your own barbecue, it must be elevated off the ground. Coals must be removed or disposed of in the hot -coal container located at Tyson Street Park, or Harbor Lot 12 on Harbor Beach, across the street from the Harbor Fishing Pier, or in a fire ring. City of San Clemente Regulations: No person start or permit to be maintained any fire on any public or private beach except in a designated fire ring or pit or in a suitable metal or other container that is elevated off of the sand to prevent overheating of the sand. Only wood, charcoal, or paper products may be used as fuel. No painted or chemically treated wood is allowed. All fuel material must fit within the inside edge of the fire ring and may not rise higher than approximately two (2) feet above the top edge of the fire ring. Enforcement personnel may order the extinguishment of any fire for any safety or public welfare reason, including but not limited to, the risk of unintended fires due to location or proximity of fires to hazardous areas, types of fuel, wind speed, wind direction, or flying embers. In addition, no person shall dispose of any coals, embers, or other burning or burnt materials upon or around the municipal pier or any public or private beach (including without limitation in any trash receptacle) except as follows: A. Disposal in a designated fire ring or pit; or B. Disposal of completely cooled materials in a trash receptacle. Fire rings and City Beaches have 4:00am to 12:00midnight curfew. *City municipal Code section 12.32.050 Fires on the Beach and Pier. City of Huntington Beach Regulations: No person shall light, kindle, set or maintain fires or coals thereon, except in the fire rings provided therefore, or in self- contained BBQ's kept within six (6) feet of a fire ring, except by permit issued by the Director. There is a curfew of 10pm. Disposable heating BBQ materials shall not be deposited anywhere except within the inside perimeter of the fire ring. The heating element of self- contained BBQs must be raised at least eighteen (18) inches above the surface of the sand. *13.08.060 Fires 769 -7/60, Urg 1306 -3/67, 3606 -6/03 City of Los Angeles Regulations: Fire rings are available on a first come first serve basis. Fires are allowed in designated fire rings ONLY. No fires allowed after 10:00pm daily unless specified otherwise. Barbecuing is allowed in the fire rings and designated BBQ's only. No outside BBQ's are permitted. *City of Los Angeles Park Rangers Dept. (323) 644 -6661. City of San Diego Regulations: Fire rings are available on a first come first serve basis, however for a group of 20 or more reservations are required and can be obtained through the Parks and Recreation Department. No beach fires between the hours of 12am and 5am. Barbecuing is permitted in the fire rings and personal BBQ's. All wood must not be allowed to rise above the height of the fire ring more than 2 feet. Wood must be free from paint, nails, and laminates. No pallets are allowed to be burned. California State Park Regulations: Fire rings are available on a first come first serve basis, unless in a designated campground in which reservations are required. Beach fires must be in a designated concrete fire ring only. For non - campground fire rings, a curfew of 10pm will be enforced. Portable fire containers are not allowed on the beach, or any other sand area, unless placed inside a concrete fire ring. Camp stoves and fire containers must be within the lines of your campsite and be elevated six inches or more above the pavement. Fires must be maintained in a manner that does not threaten any person or property. Coals or ashes must be deposited in a "Hot Coals" container (red cans located next to dumpsters) or a fire ring. Hot coals and fires should be put out with water, not sand. *www.parks.ca.gov National Parks Service Regulations: You can help keep the tradition of ocean beach fires alive by following these simple rules: • No fires outside rings. • No glass in the fires. • Burn only untreated, unpainted wood, to keep pollutants and poisons out of the air. • Don't burn pallets or any wood containing nails or other hardware —these sharp metal objects can be dangerous. • Bring your own firewood —don't use driftwood or other natural debris, as they serve as wildlife habitat. Gathering, cutting or scavenging of firewood or kindling is not permitted at the beach or in the park. Locally grown firewood is best. • Burn Clean, Avoid using accelerants such as lighter fluid, as they leave pollution and poisons in the sand and the air. Paper and kindling are preferred. • Don't burn trash. Most trash gives off pollution and poisonous gases. • Don't try to put out a fire with sand. It only hides and insulates the fire, leaving it more dangerous. Instead, leave the fire to burn out, or put it out with water. • Minors must be supervised by one person 21 or over for each 10 people under 18. • Groups of more than 25 people must obtain a permit by calling (415) 561 -4300. • Overnight camping is prohibited. • Observe all posted regulations. • Please observe "Spare the Air days" and do not burn beach fires when air pollution is severe. When air pollution reaches unhealthy levels, the Air Quality Management District notifies the public by declaring a "Spare the Air day." To find out if today is a "Spare the Air day," visit www.sparetheair.org or call 1- 800 - HELP -AIR. *www.nps.gov ATTACHMENT V Newport Beach Fire Rings Research Materials Submitted by Kathy Hamilton, Parks Beaches and Recreation Commissioner December 13, 2011 FIRE RING HEALTH AND SAFETY ISSUES Air Quality Management District Rule 445 Purpose - To reduce the emission of particulate matter from wood burning devices. The SCAQMD Governing Board adopted Rule 445 on March 7, 2008, which applies to the South Coast Air Basin which includes all of Orange County, effective as of November 1, 2011. This applies to any landowner or land occupier who operates a wood burning device or portable outdoor wood burning device. Under this rule, no permanently installed indoor and outdoor wood burning devices are allowed in new developments. In other words, new wood burning fireplaces and outdoor wood burning devices are not allowed as of Nov. 2011 Dr. Elaine Chang, Deputy Executive Officer of the SCAQMD said "If you can smell It, it's toxic, even if it's plain, clean wood because it is the wood particulates that get into the lungs and cause damage and illness." Other air quality specialists from the SCAQMD have said the same thing. "If you can smell it, it's toxic. Even clean wood is toxic because it's about tiny wood particulates that get into the lungs and cause damage and illness. According to the SCAQMD, wood smoke contains a mixture of gases and fine particles that can cause burning eyes, runny nose, and bronchitis. Even limited exposure to smoke can be harmful to human health, particularly to the health of children, the elderly, and those with chronic health conditions. Besides fine par- ticulates, wood smoke also contains carbon monoxide and toxic compounds, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons also known as PAHs. These are all potential carcinogens. Cigarette smoking is forbidden on beaches for the health and safety of beachgoers. Why, then, are fire rings allowed with the much higher levels of toxicity they emit? Wood smoke is vastly more concentrated than cigarette smoke. Persons who visit the beaches and those who live around the beaches are FORCED to breathe the toxic air emitted from fire rings. The Grossman Burn Center received 7 emergency burn referrals for children in ONE weekend this summer of 2011. Five of them were for fire ring burns. Grosssman's quote is "There are always too many fire pit burns." The UCI Burn Center treated 23 fire pit burn injuries in 2009,17 were children. Sand locks in heat, making smoldering wood even hotter. HALF of injuries treated at UCI Burn Center occur at the beach: most involve children 6 and younger who fall into fire pits. Delaney Deems, two years old, received 2nd and 3rd degree burns on the bottom of her feet when she accidently stepped into a fire ring that appeared to be a sand box in August, 2009 A 14 year old girl stepped on what appeared to be just sand but was a fire pit dug in the sand, then covered up. She received 3rd degree burns on the bottom of her feet. Big Corona last summer. Summer of 2009. A five year old boy received 3rd degree burns on the bottoms of his feet in San Clemente. His family owns a restaurant in Laguna and struggled to pay the medical bills. The city of San Clemente settled. Corona del Mar neighbors have soot on their window sills and outdoor furniture and have had embers land on their decks. Names available. As of April, 2011, the Lung Association gave Orange County an F grade for ozone and short spikes of particle pollution which are bits of soot than can work their way into the lungs. Bonnie Holmes -Gen, senior policy director for the Lung Association says that air pollution does continue to cause significant illness and death in California. THE LUNG ASSOCIATION SAYS WE SHOULD ALL AVOID BREATHING BURNING WOOD. There are 1000 miles of California beaches. From and including Ventura County to the Oregon border, there are only FOUR beaches with fire rings. Los Angeles County has 42 beaches. Only two beaches have fire rings. Orange County has 48 beaches. At least nine beaches have fire rings Orange County and San Diego County have the highest concentration of fire rings in all of California There are 450 beaches in California. Only 29 beaches (most in Orange and San Diego counties) are ALLOWED (ordinance wording) to have fire rings. August 10, 2011, a family filed suit against the city of Huntington Beach when their six year old son fell into a fire ring and suffered severe burns. Perspective: Crystal Cove is 3 1/2 miles long. It closes at sunset 365 day a year. It has no fire rings. Big Corona is Y2 mi. long, closes at 10pm 365 days a year and has 27 fire rings. tAMERICAN LUNG ASSOCIATION Fighting for Air American Lung Association Says Wood Smoke Pollution Hazardous to Health As cooler temperatures begin to mark the beginning of fall, the American Lung Association of California is urging the public to avoid wood burning and to consider cleaner burning alternatives. Burning wood emits harmful toxins and fine particles in the air that can worsen breathing problems and lead to heart and lung disease and even early death. "Breathing particle pollution — or soot — can literally shorten life and send our most vulnerable residents to the emergency room. Study after study shows that when particle pollution levels increase, people can die," said David Pepper, MD, a volunteer of the American Lung Association in California. Wood smoke poses a special threat to people with asthma and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and should be actively avoided by those with lung disease. The American Lung Association strongly recommends using cleaner, less toxic sources of heat, such as natural gas. Converting a wood - burning fireplace or stove to use either natural gas or propane will eliminate exposure to the dangerous toxins wood burning generates including dioxin, arsenic and formaldehyde. Wood smoke is the largest source of wintertime particle pollution in the Bay Area. Numerous studies have linked wood smoke exposure with exacerbation of lung disease. In the greater Bay Area, nearly one million residents have lung disease. "When they breathe wood smoke, they suffer even more," said Dr. Pepper. As with any pollution, children are especially at risk. Their lungs do not fully form until the age of 18 and cumulative exposures of wood smoke can lead to reduced lung function and risk of future disease. For asthmatic children, breathing wood smoke can lead to immediate harm, including asthma attacks and respiratory distress. Although both natural gas and propane stoves are much cleaner than their wood - burning alternatives, these devices must be directly vented outside the home to reduce exposure to carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide and other emissions produced by these energy sources. The American Lung Association warns that gas and propane stoves can be a threat to any family's health without proper outdoor ventilation. Indoor exposures to wood smoke can also pose health risks to residents. "Studies have also shown that people using wood burning devices to heat their homes can be routinely exposed to excessive levels of fine particulate matter in their indoor air," added Dr. Pepper. Many air districts in California have adopted regulations to control wood burning. The Bay Area Air Quality Management District's (BAAQMD) wood burning regulation will be in effect in all nine Bay Area counties beginning November 1. The Air District will call a winter Spare the Air Alert making wood burning illegal until the alert is lifted. Individuals can make a complaint about wood smoke pollution by calling the air district's hotline at 1- 877 -4NO -BURN or sign up to receive air alerts on the District's website at www.sparetheair.org When a wood burning curtailment is called, the regulation bans the use of all wood burning appliances, including US EPA certified stoves. Currently, a US EPA Phase 2 certified device is any device built on or after July 1, 1992. While new US EPA Phase 2 certified devices burn much more cleanly, older ones may not. A study conducted by the US EPA found that Phase 2 Certified devices can emit significant levels of pollution above certified values, due to improper operation and maintenance, and through normal equipment degradation. "Wood smoke pollution is a huge problem in the wintertime, both at the neighborhood and regional level," Dr. Pepper said. "So many people are suffering health effects from breathing smoke in their homes and neighborhoods. Every single chimney and wood - burning stove can have an impact on air quality so we are urging the public to bum less." For more information about the health effects of wood burning and cleaner burning alternatives to heating, please visit our website at www.lungusa.org or call 1 -800 -LUNG -USA. Is Smoke Dangerous 10124/115:56 P [ Cleanairtas ] [ About me] (Could you lip a tike this?] [ Environment's aim �Lr ] [ Parks & Wildlife Planned burns] [ Forest Industry's answer ] [ Tas Fire Service ] [ Photos ] [ Health Department's Answer ] [ Air Quality Monitoring ] [ Indoor Air Quality ] [ Is Smoke Dangerous ] [ Asthma Foundation ] [ Wood heaters ] [ Peaceful Demonstration 1 [ Alternative Solutions ] [ Correspondence ] [ Lif ] [ Forum ] Is Woodsmoke Dangerous? Ujr "Particulate pollution is the most important contaminant in our air. ...we know that when particle levels go up, people die." (Joel Schwartz, Ph.D., Harvard School of Public Health, F, Magazine, SeptJOet. 2002) L-L,fr "For particles and ozone, it is possible to derive a quantitative relationship between the concentration of the pollutant as monitored in ambient air and specific health outcomes (usually mortality). " - Australian NEPM Review Discussion Paper 2010 4'r` Dr James Markos, Respiratory Physician and Chairman of the Tasmanian Branch of The Australian Lung Foundation, feels strongly about the particles that are released into the atmosphere with woodsmoke. "There is no safe level of exposure to particle pollution. Over many years, exposure has similar long -term consequences to environmental tobacco smoke, Including the risk of lung cancer and heart disease," The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has determined that any length of casual exposure to particle pollution poses serious health risks, such as early death, cancer and cardiovascular and respiratory harm - American Lung Association HEALTH ALERT - Asthma and COPD sufferers are at an even greater risk from their prescribed drugs. I. `Twficce aas wonay wonnen v✓lgh bmast ccaocer had hugh PAltil [PWycyche slrown is 9nyrtr raenrlbonn, (fl ROY..pfro.jonel Gf Wy.nanal gfflo9s4) l evels In Itheio BREAST T1UNIOR,5 conaparre.13 with tfissue oTwommen vvfithovlt breast cancer,' I_ The inha -141 ioan off pan ,tncnn7.nte nna:taelr canse5 a9thM1. n, uppeir mad loweir n °eajpnfra4orry traeat h lF.ectiolns, fC1D F D (chma is o1bs2n wfive panllmr4ornav y dismep), mud lfnhvuvuc Ckipflimwayapn9 by (llDoad 1994; lEeden 2•G A, Heaal'th It esearch'!Norld"L; Gwoup XrVl, 1Lnrsoin annd Koenig 1994). 4 OPIID fis a prrogressdve, Ilfte- thsearfiminng disennse amocianite,d wiltth tobbaveo snnnofising, elfin FaIlH 18fionn or occaop:atHa >m al exposure. - I`IovalrrA s nealth elf sects fo"morrn Pkir licnafiaitle unaaNvr, occur nfftterr exposu ruf s port 24 hours oo• ➢ess firm dural�houn of woodsrmaoke alit the N.- 29mmcg/aO mi nge (KoeMg cit M. 1993) htip : / /cleatiainas.com /Isstnake.litni Page 1 of 11 Is Smoke Dangerous 10/24/11 5:56 PM "I saw very strong and significant associations between tonsillitis, frequent cough, pseudo. croup, exercise induced wheeze, food allergies and woodsmoke exposure in our school children. I think that Wood smoke is one of the most harmful air pollutants we have on earth." (Gerd Oberfeld, M.D., Epidemiologist, Public health office - Unit for Environmental Health, Salzburg, .Austria. International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood,(ISAAC) Salzburg 1997.) Fine particle concentrations are linked to adverse health impacts ( Dockery et al 1993, Pope et al 2002) 6.-e ._ Exposure to forest fire smoke has been associated with increased respiratory symptoms (Aditama, 2000; Kunzli et al., 2006), increased COPD and asthma- related emergency room visits (Duclos et al., 1990), increased physician visits (Moore et al., 2006), and increased medication use ( Kunzli et al., 2006 Air pollutants such as sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, and suspended particular matter (SPM) are known to CAUSE damage to health. These substances can CAUSE bronchitis, bronchial asthma, COPD and other respiratory diseases. (in Akira et al., 2004, Tropical Medicine and Health, 32 (4), 329 -333) `r Animal toxicology studies show that wood smoke exposure can disrupt cellular membranes, depress macrophage activity, destroy ciliated and secretory respiratory epithelial cells and cause aberrations in biochemical enzyme levels." (3) A Summary Of Emissions Characterization And Noncancer Respiratory Effects Of Wood Smoke, Timothy V. Larson and Jane Q. Koenig, US.EPA- 453/R -93 -036, Dec. 1993) Particle pollution also has an adverse effect on all other life forms including plants. I . 1., u u cancer and wood smoke exposure connection- Delgado J, Au finez LM, S.hlchez TT, Ramirez A, Iturria C, Gonzfilcz -Avila G. r A study by the University of Wfishington in Se;lttle sho3vied that 59 to 70 pea-cent of the outd,(mrr Hovels of wootH smoke were entering homes that were not burning wood. I, Pardeuiate Matter is one off tore naost significant e.rnissio ns from forest ![fires. N6leety percent off iparritscnnHate ft nart4er hz f Aamass sanoke is PMAO, mnenaniing thnit it is Ho amucrometers or sirtfi HOelr• Ain, rtH vmeter (EPA 1998; fCilttmnrr 2001). I- °11✓o1 el 8mi eke is go-enter Own 90% Fine PartAcuHxlte T /latrterr, i1e, P1) /J 2.5 or less. (American (Lung Assocnatuvn). I "The majoefty goardc %s emifledfirom Momf1ss oeerning, which includes conlrolled b&Jb ring and macondrolled frea, titre afdraafAde, widGa only ✓r small feacd on dUt She daegee size m age, and wlfh Mow of'dLae remss preseaad in pnaarddcl9es less Man Z S ✓ m in aemdyDad wic d9a metier (1/7AO, 1999). " hip : / /cleanairtas.com /issmoke.him Page 2 of 11 Is Smake Dangerous tfin •ye3eta10n tr_ �:� f f 0 t T 40) I � � s 0.011 e..0t at 1 10 Part edarreler (pm) Size distributions of particles generated from forest fire (vegetation burning). Chart courtesy of the Australian Government/ Department of the Environment and Heritage htli3:// www .environment.gov.au /atmospher ... mpacts. 3�df 10/24/11 5:56 PI Fine particles easily bypass the natural filters in the nose and throat, penetrate deep into the lungs, and carry toxins further into the bloodstream. Hair cross section (70 urn) M*'i-400 '�, . , J �:,r, k ., 1 HImon H.-.1 1., ! /I.i w dlametef) (9pNcn j (2.5 tint) http : / /cleanalrtas.com /issinoke.him Page 3 or 1: Is Smoke Dangerous _Plasal passages PM (11 -7) Trachea l.' -- Phnrynx PM (4.7 -33) PM (7.4.7) Primary •'.Y bronchi _ Branchioli PM (4.7.3.3) ( ir`.'+rl M1 PM(1.t -0.66) Bronchi., 7 7°Y) I , , PAlveoli branc 0'; PM (2.1 . , (0.664M) Disposition of Particulate Matter (PM) in the Respiratory system (Richard Wilson, Harvard Press,1996) 10/24/11 5:56 PM Studies show that reduced resistance to disease is linked, among other things, to wood smoke exposure. Smoke produced by wood combustion harms the cellular membrane, slows down immune system activity, damages the inflammatory cells that protect and clean the respiratory tract, and also disrupts enzyme levels. (Lung Assn. Quebec). IA. Hill 1996. Department of Forensic Medicine, Guy's Hospital, London, UK. Smoke is a mixture of particles and gaseous chemicals of varying physical and chemical properties. When inhaled these produce the characteristic features of smoke- inhalelional injury. Although heat is produced in fires it is the chemical agents which cause the damage to the airways and the lungs. Mortality and morbidity are closely related to pulmonary injury and thus to the particulate and chemical nature of smoke. Moreover, there seems to be a potentiating effect, in that the particles worsen the toxicity of the chemicals present. http: / /deanainas.com /issmoke.htm Page 4 of I I EHHI :: The Health Effects of Woad Smoke Research Areas I Wond Smoke Childhood Obesity Cancer Vehicle Exhaust Pesticides Asthma School Environments Wood Smoke Pressure Treated Wood Synthetic Turf Plastics The LEED Debate News & Updates EHHI elournal ``�tivcs I'.ni1) , . ,1 .. IJ, Sri:. The Health Effects of Wood Smoke Health Issues I Exposure Issues I What Others are Doing I References 10/24/1112:32 PM Wood Smoke tittp://www.efilil.org/woodsmake/health_.effects.shiiiii Page I of 4 Wood Smoke Home Health Issues The Dangers to Health from Outdoor Wood • Although wood smoke conjures up fond Furnaces memories of sitting by a cozy fire, it Is Environment and Human Important to know that the components of 1 IE EACf l-I Health, Inc.'s research wood smoke and cigarette smoke are quite ol, shows outdoor wood similar, and that many components of both W)Of> S \It )KIs. furnaces are dangerous to are carcinogenic. Wood smoke contains people's health fine particulate matter, carbon monoxide, • ` f Scientists and physicians Formaldehyde, sulfur dioxide and various say Outdoor Wood Irritant gases such as nitrogen oxides that Furnaces are a serious health threat to those who can scar the lungs. Wood smoke also live near them. contains chemicals known or suspected to be carcinogens, such as polycyclic aromatic l�•. EHHI Testimony On An Act 't n' hydrocarbons (PAHs) and dioxin. Adding Wood Smoke to the - Public Health Nuisance • Wood smoke interferes with normal lung Code and Concerning development In Infants and children. It also Outdoor Wood - burning increases children's risk of lower Download Brochure Furnaces respiratory Infections such as bronchitis The Health Effects of Wood and pneumonia. Smoke • Wood smoke exposure can depress the immune system and Outdoor Wood Smoke: damage the layer of cells In the lungs that protect and cleanse the Number of Complaints by airways. Location • According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), toxic air A Lung Association Position Paper on Wood pollutants are components of wood smoke. Wood smoke can Smoke cause coughs, headaches, eye, and throat Irritation in otherwise healthy people. Connecticut Attorney General's position on Wood • For vulnerable populations, such as people vilth asthma, chronic Smoke respiratory disease and those with cardiovascular disease, wood smoke Is particularly harmful— even short exposures can prove I EHHI asks the CT dangerous. t Legislature to help the many people In the state The particles of wood smoke are extremely small and therefore who are being made sick are not filtered out by the nose or the upper respiratory system. from breathing their Instead, these small particles end up deep In the lungs where neighbor's wood smoke tittp://www.efilil.org/woodsmake/health_.effects.shiiiii Page I of 4 EHHI :: The Health Effects of Wood Smoke they remain for months, causing structural damage and chemical changes. Wood smoke's carcinogenic chemicals adhere to these tiny particles, which enter deep Into the lungs. • Recent studies show that fine particles that go deep Into the lungs Increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes. EPA warns that for people with heart disease, short- term exposures have been linked to heart attacks and arrhythmias. If you have heart disease, these tiny particles may cause you to experience chest pain, palpitations, shortness of breath, and fatigue. Exposure Issues • The particulate matter In wood smoke Is so small that windows and doors cannot keep It out —even the newer energy - efficient weather -tight homes cannot keep out wood smoke. • The EPA estimates that a single fireplace operating for an hour and burning 10 pounds of wood will generate 4,300 times more PAHs than 30 cigarettes. PAHs are carcinogenic. • A study by the University of Washington In Seattle showed that 50 to 70 percent of the outdoor levels of wood smoke were entering homes that were not burning wood. EPA did a similar study In Boise, Idaho, with similar results. What Others Are Doing . o Iowa's Supreme Court in 1998 declared that government bodies do not have the right to allow burning that results In smoke crossing property lines. The State of Washington has laws to address nelghbors' wood smoke. According to the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency, "generating excessive smoke Is not only unnelghborly, It's Illegal. Under state regulations, smoke from a person's chimney cannot exceed 20 percent opacity for six consecutive minutes. Greater smoke densities could result In fines from alr pollution control officials. It Is always Illegal to smoke out your neighbor. Everyone has a right to breathe clean air. If smoke from your fire Is affecting your neighbors, It Is considered a nuisance and subject to enforcement action." Many states have restricted the use of wood burning In fireplaces and wood - burning stoves on certain high pollution days. Colorado, Utah, Albuquerque, New Mexico and many towns In California have set up pollution numbers to call to find out If you can burn wood. What Need", to sip pone There Is much we can do to protect the public's health from wand 10/24111 12:32 Ph EHHf Op -ed on Wood Smoke EHS Circular Letter # 2009 -32 - A letter from Connecticut Department of Public Health that discusses wood smoke as a public nuisance hllp://t wvw. ehhl. org /womismoke /liealdi_effects.shlml Page 2 of 4 EHHI ::The Health Effects of Wood Smoke smoke exposures. rtreprace ano w000 stove cmmneys snouto oe regulated so that they are high enough to protect neighbors from exposures. Individual towns should pass zoning regulations to protect public health. State legislatures and state departments of health should strengthen local health departments with specific wood smoke language so that they can deal on a case -by -case basis with situations In which people are made sick by their neighbors' smoke. As the State of Washington Clean Air Agency has stated: "It is always illegal to smoke out your neighbor." References •-r.a 1't . • •• • .. •11 • The Lung Association, Nova Scotia • The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on the health effects of wood smoke. • New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services - Air Resources • Environmental Health Perspectives Volume 113. Number 4. April 2005 The Heart of Toxicity: Details of Cardiovascular Damage Uncovered Bob Weinhold • Burning Issues - Wood Smoke Brochure • Sacramento Metrouolitan Ali, OualitkManauement District Implementation Schedule for District Particulate Matter Control Measures • Sacramento Metropolitan A Quality Management District: Information on Particulate Matter and Implementation of Senate Bill • New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services - Air Resources • Burning Issues - Wood Smoke Fact Sheet - March 1999 • Washington State Department of Ecoloov - Air Quality Division -- Under WashingtoO-j�_:Qdk173- 433.110 • Colorado Deoarti tgjit of PubI111111111l 111111 , d Environment • Utah Department 9f Environmental,Quall5y I • New Mexico: Winter Advisory No Burp Program • States with strjQIons on Wood - burning 10/24/11 12:32 PM SaC,Erd-cn isco ea_y are�g�gualit�raOe_gement_District I Santa Clara Con smoke Rebate Program i I San Joaquin yelLeX,E \1LppJI Jgn�gnbol District I Wood-b irninq htip:/I m, Ni. ehhi. org /woodsmoke /lieAltlieffectsshtml Page 3 of 4 Specific Wood Smoke Chemicals 10/24/11 5:46 PM Home> Medical Flferls> Current Page Burning Issues A project e/ (Jean Air Revival lac. Medical Effect of Specific Wood Smoke Chemicals Dioxin; Burning 1 kilogram of wood produced as much as 160 micrograms of total dioxins. PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) Emissions from residential fireplace and woodstove appliances burning fuels available from the San Francisco Bay area were sampled for polychlorinated dibenzodioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDDs /Fs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), hexachlorobenzene (HxCBz), particulate matter (PM), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), oxygenated PAHs, and tile monosaccharide levoglucosan. A total of 32 PAH compounds, ranging in concentration from 0.06 to 7 nlg /kg, amounted to between 0.12 and 0.38% of the PM mass, depending on the wood and facility type. (Gullett, B. K.; Touati, A.; Hays, M. D., PCDD /F, PCB, HxCBz, PAH, and PM Emission Factors for Fireplace and Woodstove Combustion in the San Francisco Bay Region, Environ. ScL Technol.; (Article); 2003; 37(9); 1758 - 1765.1 Lead: produced from burning 2.2 pounds of wood = 0. ling to 3 ing. Formaldehyde Thad Godish, Ph.D, Department of Natural Resources, Ball State University. In a laboratory at Louisiana State University, researchers found that the free radicals produced from wood smoke are chemically active 40 times longer than those produced from cigarette smoke, so that once inhaled they will attack the bodies cells longer. William Pryor, "Biological effects of cigarette smoke, wood smoke, and the smoke from plastics: the use of electron spin resonance" Free Radical Biology and Medicine, Vol.13:6(659.676) Radioactive Cesium "With the exception of some very low California readings, all measurements of wood ash with fallout cesium exceeded - some by 100 times or more - the levels of radioactive cesium that may be released from nuclear plants (about 100 picocuries per kilogram of sludge). Wood ash cesium levels were especially high in the Northeast. "[Science News, 1991] See also RACHEL'S HAZARDOUS WASTE NEWS #282, t'arcinoeens Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH): Residential wood burning is the source or 50% of airborne Polynoclear Organic Material (POM) in the U.S. POM contain a group of compounds (PAH) which incinde many Class A carcinogens, the most carcinogenic materials known to exist. Air pollution nleasurenlents in a residential neighborhood on Christmas Day (the most wood smoke polluted (lay) showed early morning background levels of PAII of 20 ng /nO. The level increased as wood burning began, peaking at over 2000 ng/m3. The U.S. EPA estimates that the cancer risk from wood smoke is twelve times greater than from equal amounts of tobacco smoke. Oelow is a NASA picture of PAH. http:llburningissues.orgi car- %v,Av /medical_effects /medical effecis ws- specific- chem.html Page I of: Specific Wood Smoke Chemicals "More and afore, cancer looks like Professor of Cell Biology. "Hunan aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) ". Lo s linked to breast cancer. Wood burning also creates cyanide. an environmental disease." Ana Soto, Til/is University, evidence is particularly strong for PCBs and polycyclic Angeles Tintes, May 14, 2007 Common chemicals are 10124111 5:40 PM Toxic Brain Encephala aallly or "Brain Fog" and ADA also see Kleinman: brain inflammation Fungus and Mold.page Wood Smoke Chemicals health Effects Table Swedish Report finds antioxidants in birch wood smoke. This is one of the only studies that has found a beneficial effect in wood smoke. We seriously doubt that it is a net gain. Uncombusted Wood. • Sawdust Is a Class A Carcinogen Tri h Fungal Infection in a Wood Worker (uncombusled wood particles.) Email to Friend © 2007 Clean Air Revival Home page at http: //Bumingissues.org littp: / /buriiii,gissties.org /car- ennv/tnedical_ effects / medical - effects- WS- speciflc- chernhiml Page 2 of 2 Family files $S00,000 claim over fire pit fall - Orange County Register Advertisement 1 Trick to Relieve Joints ' Phk,r Do You Miss aging F1app1/I See how you can relieve your joints "4' ^'` Boston researches have dianuvered ' with this fast and easy hick ... the secret to happier living. Inalenar.com Lumlday.mm �r REGISTER.com OC REGISTER > ARTICLE COLLECTIONS ,FW PIT Ads by Google Find More Stories About: FirePRI File Rkigs Move Like This Family. H.B. responstbte for 6-year- old hunted in fire Ix( May 3. 2011 Gtau.i cipy, star, restwosAita for childrari ; Pre pits... February 18, 2010 FarnMes (declaims for flrepit burns February 19, 2010 Family files $500,000 claim over fire pit fall tt &"mpnd August 1e, 2011 1 By JAIMEE LYNN FLETCHER 0 10/6/112:37 PM e HUNTINGTON BEACH A 6-year-old Hemet boy and his family are asking the city for an estimated $500,000 0 to cover medical costs agar ilia boy fell In a detedomfing gro pit and suffered severe bums. Jason Richardson filed a calm Aug. 10 against the city on behalf of his son. Claims are generally precursors to lawauts, and city officials said It" am reviewing ilia document and in action has been taken. Richardson contends the city Is responsible far his son's Injudes because It did not properly maintain the fire pits and log a broken -dawn pit an ilia beach. Ads by Ga igla viielfi48.1Malorsrilro avillud Pain & Suffering from Your injury? Talk to a Local Attorney for Free. www.Inju yHelpUriaNOonney.corn f lug9 Fire Pits Salecttun Top Rated Fire Pits Website. Low Prices, 30% Off d Fast Shlppingl vvww. Haynesdle.comfFrePits 100's of Fire Pits Largest Selection of Fire Pits on Ills Web, 30% Off S. Fast Shippingl w,wr.FimPits.ccm Advertisement Seat Richardson vns flying a Pits near his fattier at Huntirgton City Beach on April 17 whim he fell backward Into the fire pit, which suit had a smoldering fire In it, ilia dalm says. Jason Richardson said the pit was near Tower 11 and %ms ilia first In the rev of pits lining ilia city beach. Pictures [alien by pollee officers who responded to the scene shay one side of the concrete pit had deteriorated darn to sand level. Seth suffered second- and third- degree bums on his right arm and lire right side of his chest. He vias treated for vmake at the surgical Intensive care unit at LICI's Regional gum Canter in Orange. Richardson sold his son Is Bull In ilia recovery process and returns to see doctors every two weeks for further treatment. g€oHis wrist is still in a big healing process, but his side Is doing pretty good,2£ he sold. &€gotta has to veer a sleeve for four months. They're still doing after cere.&E City offideis have sold Ilia city's 167 fire pits are cleaned out rigidly and roulin ity checked. If a pit is in bad shape, it will be replaced, they said. City spokeswoman Laude Frymire said after the Incident Ural city crews do a constant rotation of replacing the fire rings; however, liters Is nobody to monitor the pits during the day because there Is no staff available for that kind of patrol. This marks the gird lavrsuit In recent years Imolvitg beach fire pits in Huntington Beach. Two others were filed against the slate for Incidents at Huntington Stale Beach. A jury Mal Is sat for Sept. 26 In the case In which a toddler and it teen were burned In Aug. 2069. Parents Jenny and Danny Eslinger any their 2- year -old Bras severely Injured rdhen he climbed Into a fire pit that was a£cealnmsl fatally submerged In the sari according to their calm. Ads by Google h"p: / /artides.ocregist".com /2011 -08 -19 /news /I9907007_1_fre- pit- chad- kaner- danny- eslinger Page I of 2 Claim: City, state responsible for children's fire pits burns - Orange County Register Advertisement on1 Easy Way To Feel Happy 1 Trick to Relieve JokNs Boston researchers have discovered I See how you can relieve your joints the secret to happier living. r with Oils fast and easy trick... Lumlday.com ' I Inotaaoz.cem 0 0NRWISTER.com OC REGISTER > ARTICLE COLLECTIONS > FOE PIT Ads by Google Find More Stories About: Fire Pit More Like Th'a any binned In H.B. fire pit wants $600,000 March is, 2Oto Family: H.e, responsible M 0-year- old homed in Bre pit May 3, 2011 Rings of Bre May 22, 2009 Claim: City, state responsible for children's fire pits burns February 18, 2010 1 BY ANNIE BURRIS HUNTINGTON BEACH - Two families have afed dair s against the dry of Huntington Beach and the state after a toddler and lean arere burned on a rife pit at Hunfinglen Stale Beach, Adam Eelinger, 2, was severely burned when he climbed Into a this pit on Aug. 8, according to a claim filed Feb. a by parents Jennifer and Danny Eslinger or Huntington Beach. Adam had bums to his hands and feet and suffered "severe emotional trauma," the claim said. Autumn W !Rams, 13, rescued Adam from the pt and was burned in the process, according to a claim also filed Feb. 9 by parents Lisa and Lemma Wililarm of Irvine. The parents allege the fire pit eras "almost (chilly submerged In the sand so as to create a hidden danger," Me claims said. The Nlklams and Eslinger families did not return calls for comment about die daim& -Uw city Is mirestlllatng the Incidents and the stale has rejected the fomnles' claims, officials say. Ads by Googlo Advertisement Security Line Fast Pass CLEAR Gets Past Airport Security Faster. Learn More & Enroll Todayl www.ClearMe.com/Get—Started 10/6/11 2:36 PM OCR - KEVIN SULLIVAN, FILE: OCR Second- and acrd- degree bum Injurim from beach and campfire pits have till at least a four -year high, according to Patient numbers from UCI Medical Center. The UCI Burn Center treated 20 fire pit - related burn Injures In 2000, 11 In 2007 and 221n 2008, according to spokesman John Murray. The fire pits donned regularly and signs are posted on the pits that caution users about hot coals, said Joe Milligan, the slate Parke superintendent for I IuriOnglon and Bolsa Chico slate beaches. Parks staff members ask that beach goem not nil are pits with sand In an effort to squelch a fire because the sand ran act as an Insulator and keep Ilia pit vane, he said. "For the number of users that vre have on the beach, vre don t see a tremendous number or bums," he sold. "Most of the people (hat carte to the beach adhere to good safely practices umf recognize that the fire ring ... Wds Trot coals." When bums happen, Milligan said, it Is generally due to horse play, people trying to jump over the fire, vrmlking around the top of the fire ring, or children not receiving the proper supervision. "The accidents that are Ilia real heart breakers are Wine a parent doesn't keep an eye on a toddler or a young person or In fad allmvs them to walk around (the pit)," he mid. Conlcetthe t'sitsr. aburrisgocregister.com 01714.700 -7922 Ads by Bungle http: / /articies.ocmglster.com /2010 -02 -18 /crime /24643067_I fire -pit -hot- coals -flre -ring Page 1 of 2 Local Child Burned, Officials Issue Fire Pit Waning - St. I outs Park, MN Patch Most popular App 830 F MacKeeper HI:01 1-0:63 St.LouisParkPatch, n Editor Aftleleh aoae: l lewd nmrm novra you want w to cheek out? Lot mo know: � -•. MldtaeLReeeeoatcheom Hom News Events Places Classified 10161112:141 AwardnyourlMac. Clean our Mac ,,0 to dean your Mac. Y Atac slan un Lou In Chance, Towne Voltunt4e_r search News Prim Erna Local Child Burned, Officials Issue Fire Pit Warning Bum Caro professionals at HCMC are warning local parents to keep an eye on their children around lire pits and campfires. By Katelvnn Mett Finau me author May I, 2011 4 recommendations. i"lu ilo to see what your friends reca:mnemi. s Crxruna (a Belated Topics: HCMC, children s ®j@(y, and summer safari Fire pits and campfires are dangerous — that's the warning from doctors and nurses at Fle n Uin Count Me i Cents who treat bums. In April alone, HCMC's Bum Center treated several children under the ego of five who suffered bums caused by fire pits or by campfires. Two - year -old local Nolan Winegamer was one of those children. He fell Into a smoldering lire ph, badly burning his elbow and his hand. "It was awful," said Nolan's father, Travis Winegarer, In a press release. "He was rolling on the ground in pain, and it happened so quickly. We don't want any other parents or children to have to go through this." According to the Mft1le.�lo4s S;tfuty Council, the number of Injuries to children spikes in the summer. And with warmer weather in the lorecast, HCMC staff are concerned that they'll see more children, like Nolan Winegamer, whh fire pit or campfire bums. "Children are curious and move quickly, and they can trip and fall Into the fire pit; said Pat Anderson, a nurse with HCMC, in the release. 'Their clothing can catch lire easily, resulting In painful burns or even death" Since 2005, the I-ICMC Burn Center has treated 150 patients who were Injured with either fire ph or campfire bums. Almost one -third of these patients were children. Anderson worried that smoldering coals could cause severe burns up to 24 hours after the fire has stopped burning. "After enjoying a campfire, it's Important to make sure fires are put out and coals we thoroughly extinguished; Anderson said In the release. Nolan Winegamer Is currently recovering from his second and third degree bums at his home just north of Minnetonka. Travis Winegamer happens to work In the burn care field, selling advanced wound care products for bum patents. He said that Nolan's Injuries show that this kind of accident can happen to children even when parents Iumvi hull -wail the dangers of bums. "I've been selling lire products for 10 years ... explaining to surgeons anti clinicians how the products work," he said In the release. "I never imagined my precious son would need Main." recommend 4 recommendatioos. Sign III) to see vdlat your friends recommend. ltp: / /stiouispark.patch.com /articles /local - child- burned- oftcials- Issue - fire - pit - warning -2 Page 1 of 3 Flun Obtains Major Settlement in Fire Pit Bum Case GORDON • EDELSTEIN• KREPACK GRANT • FELTON • GOLDSTEIN, LLP PERSONAL INJURY. WORKERS' COMPENSArrON Home > News > Fire Pit Bum Firm Obtains Major Settlement in Fire Pit Burn Case A sun - drenched, fun -filled day at the beach fumed Into a nightmare for the parents of a 4- year -old boy who fell into a smoldering fire pit ring and suffered second- and third- degree burns to his body. There was no roaring fire, no flames to warn the parents of the danger. The burning embers were hidden beneath sand atop a manufactured fire pit dng—an artificial hole with no guarding or protective device. The way afire pit ring Is designed and Intended to be used creates an accident walling to happen, according to Personal Injury allorneys Roger Gordon and Vincent Bennett from the law firm of Gordon, Edelstein, Krepack, Grant, Felton & Goldstein, LLP, who obtained a substantial six -figure settlement In Otis case. The defendants? The homeowners' association (HOA) responsible for the stretch of beach In Orange County where (he accident occurred, and Oro manufacturer of the fire pit ring. Fire pit dugs are designed and manufactured to "stn' lose to the ground when they are Installed. When the Installation Is an a sandy beach, as was the case here, the pit's height Is further reduced because It sinks Into the sand over time, causing the outer rim of the pit to be only Inches shove the ground. There Is no guarding around Its perimeter. The HOA had no system In place to mimiltor the fire pit rings under Its Judsdicilon and did flat display any warning signs of the potential danger. In addition, "Desplle several available options In the fire pit ring Industry that would have protected our client from this horrible accident, Including a simple protective grate, the manufacturer continued to design, sell and Install this product wllhoul any added protections; says Gordon. "In California, a product Is defective In design t it does not perform as safety as an ordinary consumer would expect when used in an Intended or reasonably foreseeable manor." The manufacturer of this fire pit Ong never conducted any research or had any procedure In place that would monitor the number of Ora pit ring- related Injuries. Gordon says the manufacturer was aware of the defective design and Ilia potential hidden dangers II posed to the public, bit[ contended that Its product wasn't dangerous because it knew of no Incident similar to our plaintiffs. However, statistics from University of Califomia, Irvine (UCI) Bum Center suggest otherwise. The facility treated 20 fire lift - related burn Injuries in 2006, 11 in 2007 and 22 In 2000. As of August, 2000 when the report was made, the UCI Bum Center had treated 23 Ore pit bum pullouts, 17 of vdrom 10/6/ 112:32 Pk Like Send 213.739.7000 Do I Have a Case? Contact us by Email for a free Casa Evaluation Bicycle Advocacy Learn how we work with the Community on bike issues. r LEARN MORE Geklaw Enewsletter I -allow our news. Your Email ! co News Learn Ilia latest from the Gekiaw team. ii Six GEK Attorneys Named as trust Lawyers In AnimicaOJ 0 Court of Appeal Decision Affirms Right to Rebut Standard Rating Hispanic Workers Fare More Dangerous Conditions f, rornporary [alai Disabilily Ralus to Increase 0 NexGan Knee System Correction More News r Illp: //s v.geklaW.com /news flrepits.btml Page 1 of 2 Hennepin County Medical Center I Health a Matters Presented by Hennepin County Medical Center I Not subscribed to this newsletter? Subscribe nowt Share with family and friends on Facebook or Twitter. 10/6/112:38 N Iii This Issue c..,int�res_tnp Kals, l\ f.)agtgerrnis_ CombulaUtn � beflue the Rescue Dog fL1110L k on i_Modn; I y:r_ree�f_�li 1L§p1�eALrt ;Xullty Medical (:ender ;iMt1LLteLIs. the Lllrle;_tu thi�lh 4L f3re1H Immy I'r +rvrnuon Campfires and Kids: A Dangerous Combination Burn care professionals at Hennepin County Medical Center are reminding parents to keep an eye on their children around campfires, grills and backyard fire pits. "During the spring and summer, we see children admitted for burns from campfires and bonfires," explains Pat Anderson, RN. "Children are curious and move quickly, and they can trip and fall into the fire pit. Their clothing can catch fire easily, resulting in painful bums or even death." Smoldering coals can also cause severe burns even 24 hours after the fire has stopped burning. 'After enjoying a campfire, it's important to make sure fires are put out and coals are thoroughly extinguished," warns Anderson. months, continues to receive occupational therapy at Hennepin County Medical Ce to Trina Martinson's then 18- month -old daughter, n r g for bums sustained in a Athena, suffered third - degree burns from a fall backyard fire pit into a fire pit that everyone thought was accident. extinguished. "Athena was running in the backyard when she fell face first into the firepit," Martinson says. "The flames had been out for hours but it was still smoldering. People need to know how dangerous outdoor campfires can be," she adds. 01 don't want vr,tt NlyQhlut I this to happen to another child." 1, ;,u f i r bunt Mv,. h; I Athena will need to wear a face mask for up to two years while her burns heal. ,n,unilu <,rol Be Cautious Wdh warmer weather in the forecast, Burn Center staff members are concerned that they'll see more children with these types of burns. In just one week during June, Hennepin` 183 in Center has treated 10 people, five of them children, who have suffered from burns sustained in campfires. Since 2005 the Bum Center has cared for 150 patients injured with campfire burns; almost one -third of these patients were children. You can hear host Dr. David Hilden and his guest medical experts r-iea;th e Matters 1 -It Veil h tttp: / /myheaithitmsietter. cam/ hcmc/ healthematters /luly2011 /articiel.htntl Page 1 of 3 Man says daughter making recovery from fire pit burns; DCF, police Investigate Incident. - Free Online Library 1016/112:5- (�Perlodlcale OLltereture «� !ii kid TEXT 1r1PS1 THE pC LIBRARY I:REF , Search User name a �r•� ��1 18,457.364 artldesandb0oks Keyword OTitle OAulhor UTopic Password Login Ottemember submit mllcles )roe suffered when she fell into a fire pit Sunday afternoon. me tike 2K p. 'n r Fomot Password? The Free Library > Communlcmlons> News opinion and commentarr> Telegram & Gazette (Worcester. MAI > July 13. 2010 Mr. Frazier called the Telegram & Gazette yesterday after reading a breaking The Free Library > General InlereaOln(ormabonal > General interest > Telegram & Gazette (Worcester, MAI > July 13. 2010 q,4c rs nb,al Sys... The Free Library > QaaW > 2010 > July > t3 > Telegram & Gazede M/orcester. At Boeing, we aspire to be pit Sunday at his home, 113 Vine St., Douglas. Contrary to what Douglas the strongest, best and 1�r.ic4s b... Man says daughter making recovery from aoaing I Los Angalea, suffered burns on her hands, knee and foot. The burns covered no more than fire pit burns; DCF, police investigate rjP0oW endv made tgX OFD Ir'IFeedback incident. Title Annotation: LOCAL NEWS Hustler Novelties Is looking for ... "She had second - degree burns to both hands and her left knee, a minor first- Publication: Telegram & Gazette (Worcester CLEAR for Freauent Flyers Ads by Google Mffi JOB SUMMARY: The senior oataabase ... Get Through Security Faster. Save Time & Moneyl Learn More & Sign Up. Date: Jul 13, 201 recover 100 percent" www.Clesrmo.00m '.�ww Mro °•tq,pn,,,;ndi� - bdersst Based Ad II)4$111f1Y.1` A() Defense Ads by Google Words: 480 Home Security Systems We've Done The Research For You] Compare dome Security Systems. Previous Arlicle: Man gets 3 to 4 years after robbery Homesecuritysystems.Buyerzons mm olea. Download Audiobooks Next Article: From the region. Start your 14-Day Free Trial today. Listen on your iPod or Mp3 Player) Audible com Topics: Bums Investigation pevcon® Official Site Home Security For Just $1 A Day. Call Now And Save $2651 Bums and scalds Investigations Oevcnosmudly cam Concealed Weapons Classes Get a 30 state CCW, Plus Top Notch Real Training- Not The Bare Minimum www.Fronl&ghtogm Full -Text Online Library Online library of books, Journals, articles. Research online. w w Ouesba comtOnline_Llbrary Link to this page Byline: Danielle M. Hom WORCESTER - David Frazier waited at UMass Memorial Medical Center - University Campus last night as his 3- year -old daughter recovered from burns suffered when she fell into a fire pit Sunday afternoon. "She spent the entire day yesterday apologizing to us for playing near the fire pit," said Mr. Frazier, distraught after what he called a fluke accident. "She's always so careful - she never even goes near the stove." Mr. Frazier called the Telegram & Gazette yesterday after reading a breaking news article on telegram.com that reported his daughter had second - and q,4c rs nb,al Sys... third- degree burns on 32 percent of her body after falling into an outdoor fire At Boeing, we aspire to be pit Sunday at his home, 113 Vine St., Douglas. Contrary to what Douglas the strongest, best and medical personnel said they saw when responding to the 3 p.m. accident, Mr. b... Frazier said his daughter - whose name he asked not be used - ultimately aoaing I Los Angalea, suffered burns on her hands, knee and foot. The burns covered no more than Cal 3 percent of her body, he said. fcg {luq[ uevefggtlf;nt nlaeager Hustler Novelties Is looking for ... "She had second - degree burns to both hands and her left knee, a minor first- Nustler Novak.. I Chatsworth, CA degree on her right foot and a third - degree burn the size of a nickel on the o sgor DatalLn a 91Ldly+l - cotes, back of her hand," Mr. Frazier said. "There Is a small possibility she might JOB SUMMARY: The senior oataabase ... need a minor skin graft for the back of her hand, but doctors say she should Lender Process... I Pasadena, CA recover 100 percent" '.�ww Mro °•tq,pn,,,;ndi� - bdersst Based Ad II)4$111f1Y.1` A() Defense Ads by Google ttp: / /www.tliefreelibrary.com/ Man+ says+ daughter +making +recovery+from +Ore +plt+ burns %38 +DCF, +police...- a0231488965 Page 1 of 4 UI Hospitals and Clinics Is the Only Verified Bum Center In Iowa and the Surrounding Area: University of Iowa Health Care University of Iowa Health Care Today October 2009 Ul Hospitals and Clinics Is the Only Verified Burn Center in Iowa and the Surrounding Area The Burn Treatment Center at UI Hospitals and Clinics is the only verified bum center In Iowa and serves as a Midwest referral site for the care of children and adults facing a host of burn and trauma - related injuries. This weekend the remarkable Kid Captain featured at the Iowa football game is a child from Illinois who suffered extensive third - degree bums after falling into a fire pit. Jackie Heinle, RN, nurse manager in the bum treatment center, talks about the UI Burn Treatment Center: The UI Burn Treatment Center Is the state's only verified burn center. What does this mean? That's something we're very proud of. We worked hard to gain the recognition as a center of excellence in the nation. That means we're one of the top burn centers in the nation to receive that verification. Why Is the UI Bum Treatment Center unique in Iowa and the Midwest? We are the only verified burn center in the state and when we look at the whole geographic area, the bum center covers a huge area including Minnesota, Illinois, Nebraska, Kansas, and any of the surrounding Midwest states. So, recognized as a center of excellence, this is where these people need to come. Are there different degrees of bums? We look at different degrees of bums and how they present. • A first degree bum is like a sunburn —ft's red and it's painful • With a second degree bum you get a blister • A third degree burn is the severest type of injury and requires Immediate medical attention Now am. burns Vented? The first thing to do is coot the bum injury with warm water, and then contact your local physician or come into the emergency room. They will put forward a protocol that allovis them to give the best care for that patient. Cover the wound with a dry blanket, dry gauze, or plastic wrap, and bring the patient in to receive care. Ir °Jlhat Is this helillng proceas tlho for suniaons %uhm hva suffered a burn? Probably one of the hardest, and most important things we do is wash them every day with soap and water to decrease the chance of getting an infection. Its probably the hardest part for our patients. Our patients also have to have a lot of calories and orotein to halo the wound heal. Thev also have to oat uo and KXIC broadcasts are presented In mp3 format. The latest version of W inddowws Media Plaver, QuickTime Player, or Real Player is required to play them. Listen to the radio broadcast 10/6/112:48 PI 1p: //v .tilliealthcare.com /laic /2009 /10 /bumcenter.hinit Page I of! UI Hospitals and Clinics Is the Only Verified Burn Center In Iowa and the Surrounding Area: University of Iowa Health Care 10/61112:48 Pk move around so they can have the beat functional out come possible. Family involvement is very important with this and we encourage a family- centered care here. Can you tell us about the school re -entry program? This program helps our children after they sustain an injury and are healed. It helps them get back into their school environment and their peer groups. Nurses and other team members go to the school the child attended. They do some prevention programs -- perhaps do a puppet show —with age group of the child. We know this helps the child move back into the school system and do a better job at school work. It's very, very helpful for our children to do that. After patients are discharged from the Burn Treatment Center, do they need en-going treatment for their burns? Many of our patients go to a rehabilitation center because they need lots of work to keep flexible, to keep stretching, wound management, those kinds of things. What we have to remember is that when burns heal, they never go away —they simply change their injury from a wound to a fife -are life -long issues. What are some of the most common causes of burns that you see, especially In children? Right now we're seeing a lot of children sustain an injury when they fall Into a campfire or a fire pit, just as au Kid Captain who is featured at the Iowa football game did. Even though that seems to be a very innocent area, children just happen to get over there and they fall in. The second leading cause of injuries is scald injuries, unprotected cooking utensils in the kitchen, hot water in the bathroom, those kinds of things. What tips do you have for families to prevent burns? The key thing for children is keep them under your supervision at all times. Those little ones can just wander away very quickly and then we've lost sight of them. Fire Prevention Week is coming up. Keep smoke detectors functional, make sure that everybody has a plan in case their house catches on fire, and really, just know that prevention can easily be obtained ff we just use common sense and keep safe. if oomaane ouffars a bum, what Is the b98 Ming 20 g?o? If there's a flame injury, you've got to stop, drop, and roil. As soon as you've stopped, dropped, and rolled, you need to—if you're a child —you need to got up, make contact with the parent, say I've boon hurt. The child should then be taken to a local physician care or your emergency room for care. The same with adults —stop, drop, and roll; remove the burning substance; and please seat( medical attention. ltp : / /t,NA,j.ulbealthcare.coin /kxlc /2009 /10 /buFncenter.himl Page 2 of Spotlight I UC Irvine Healthcare I University of California, Irvine HEALTH AFFAIRS : UC IRVINE : MAPS & DIRECTIONS : ESPAWL 10/6/112:34 PA SEARCH UC IRVINE HEALTHCARE GO+ Home : Find a Doctor : Patients & Visitors . Medical irvires : Maps : Careers , Contact Us : Newsroom Find a Doctor Medical Services Find a Clinical Trial Managing Your Healthcare • Make Appointments • Refill Prescriptions • Contact Your Physician • Get Lab Results • Obtain Medical Forms • Obtain an Advance. Directive Form iHealth Affairs iviedical Cg—,.M'te,r crawl or fail Coals. Tina Aldatz Norris Patient From beach to backyard, caution can reduce fire pit burns Backyard barbecues and beach bonfires are beloved summer activities across the country, but they also put people - especially children - at risk of painful, long -term injury. In fact, about half of the injuries treated at UIC Irvine's Regional Bum Center occur at the beach; most involve children 6 and younger who into fire pits. And then there are the hidden dangers of sand - covered Tina Aldatz Norris learned firsthand about the danger of coals when she was 10 School of Medicine years old. She was celebrating summer with her family at Santa Monica beach when UC Nirlyl,ne "(7);u 'Plats she suddenly fell on the ground screaming. Both of her feet had landed on hot Hospital charcoals burled beneath the sand at a beach fire pit. Strategic Planning Initiative nurses, ended up with 3rd degree burns on both feet," says Tina. "We relied on the staff, nurses, and doctors for care, information, and support. My mother was a single parent raising three children alone and funds were extremely tight. In terms of daily expenses which Included dressings and ointments in addition to gas to and from the hospital, it would have been devastating to our household without the help of t1C Irvine and their after care programs." For months afterward, the simple act of walking in sneakers or flats was painful for Tina and to this day, her feet are sensitive and prone to blistering. Nevertheless, Tina has been Inspired to create some good out of her experience. She became a '3 certified podiatrist and started a company called Foot Petals in Long Beach that brings together podiatrists and engineers to create designer Insoles. tlp: / /Www. healthcare .uci.edu /spotlight.asp?hlename- /data /spotlights /Tlnallorris Page I of 2 Los Angeles Injury Attorney I Orange County Fire Accident Attorney Fire Pit Lawsuits Against Governmental Entities 10/61112:42 N Most burn injuries caused by fire pits occur in public areas such as parks and beaches that are usually owned or controlled by a city, county, or state government. Under the U.S. Constitution, government entities are immune from liability. However, most governments have passed laws that waive their immunity and allow for the filing of injury claims against them, such as the California Tort Claims Act. These laws have very strict requirements that must be followed. For example you must file a claim within six months of the accident date in order to have any chance of recovery. If these and other rules are not followed you can automatically lose your right to receive compensation from the government. What Types of Compensation Can An Injured Party Receive? Burn injuries are extremely painful and can require multiple skin grafts and surgeries. In addition to physical damage, such as permanent scarring, emotional trauma also commonly occurs. Burn injuries are complex and can possibly involve large medical expenses. In this type of personal injury case, you can sue for compensatory or actual damages, which are intended to cover all the expenses caused by the injury. Family members may also be entitled to recover if your injuries affected their relationship with you. Actual damage awards can include the following: e medical expenses o pain and suffering o lost wages o future medical expenses o mental anguish o loss of consortium (the spouse of the injured party or the parents of an injured child may recover for the interference with normal family relationships) (CoNoin6ft iFkre IN9 AcrcnmieimC Attorimey littp: / /romw.balleypartners.com /personal - injury- attorney /los- arigeles -flre- pit - Injury- lawyer Page 2 of CAS: STUDY: AQMD's Healthy Hearths Initiative I IYestboun l 10/24 /il 11:42A ABOUT US OUR EXPERTISE OUR SUCCESS WHAT'S NEW CONTACT US � AQMD'S HEALTHY HEARTHS INITIATIVE OP 0 06% SITUATION Southern California has the worst air pollution in the country, contributing to more 6,000 premature deaths and 100,000 new cases of asthma per year. Despite these staggering numbers, when the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) put regulations on residential wood burning (fireplaces), the response was overwhelmingly negative because residents didn't understand that their fireplaces actually contribute more harmful air pollution then all the power plants in the area combined. Westbound team was brought in to mitigate negative publicity and earn acceptance for this rule. IMPLEMENTATION We began by re- branding Rule 445 as the Healthy Hearths initiative as announced at a press conference also introducing a $125 rebate on gas logs. This delivered favorable stories from the LA Times, ABC -7, OC Register and other outlets. Meanwhile, we simplified public health data by producing a series of short videos featuring medical experts. These videos were posted on YouTube and served as the centerpiece for a website that we created called www.FleallhyHearlhs.org. The Website further explained the situation and provided information on the $125 gas log incentive program. RESULTS Within months, we transformed condemnation of Rule 445 into public support of the Healthy Hearths initiative. By the end of 2006, our Web site had thousands of page views, our PSA -style video was used numerous times by broadcast media and 2,400 gas log sets were sold through the AQMD- funded Incentive program. Positive media coverage appeared in the region's largest outlets and across all four counties. Ultimately, the Healthy Hearths initiative is now supported by local governments, residents, media, and most importantly, is helping improve air quality in Southern California. � Wesnnomni Gamrnmirations- All case studies Srte Map http: / /wesiboundcommunicat ions.c om / expertise /public- affairs /aqmd - healthy- hearths - case - study/ Page I of I Science &c Technology: The next pollution frontier: your fireplace I wood, burning, ai.., rage :j or s S'ER QM9 lt0.<am And the regulators have a deadline: a federal mandate to cut such pollution by 2015. The South Coast Air Quality Management District, which is considering the new rules, must find ways to reduce fine particles or face penalties, such as suspension of federal highway funds. Many of the most obvious smog sources are already tightly regulated. The district is responsible for "stationary" pollution sources, such as businesses and manufacturers, while the state Air Resources Board regulates "mobile" sources such as cars and trucks. So the agency is targeting even some residential smog sources that might move them toward the 2015 goal. Now, that includes the estimated 1.4 million homes with working fireplaces in the Los Angeles basin. Fireplaces emit about about 6 tons per day of particle pollution in the basin, or 13 tons during the winter wood - burning season — only a portion of the 106 tons per day of fine particulate pollution pumped into the basin's air each year. Smoke from wood burning, however, pumps four times more particulate pollution into the air as the dozens of power plants in the basin. And the pollution itself can be far AdvwUa ant more hazardous than other kinds of air pollution. Wood smoke is mainly made up of particles 2.5 microns in size, or smaller. Such particles are estimated to cause 5,000 premature deaths in the basin each year. They can worsen heart and lung disease, and could cause cancer. The proposed new rules also include a $500,000 incentive program starting this fall for homeowners to install less polluting, gas -log sets in their wood - burning fireplaces. They could get a $100 to $150 credit toward such replacements. If the new rules are adopted, cleaner - burning fireplace systems also would be required when fireplaces are replaced or added to existing homes. Outdoor fire enthusiasts would be safe: campfires and beach bonfires would be excluded from the new rules. Wood - burning cookstoves, such as pizza ovens, also would be exempt. But the small, decorative, wood - burning devices that have become popular for backyards, such as "chimeneas," would not be exempt if burning restrictions were put Print Powered By Form€ tlOynannies w.� • / /........,•ma;Qter mom /articles/wood- buminQ- air - 1994133- pollution -basin 4/1/2008 Center reports rise in fire pit burn injuries this summer By RASHI HSSARWANI THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER Second- and third -de- gree burn injuries from beach and campfire pits have hit at least a four -year high, according to patient numbers from DO h•vine Medical Center. Dr. Marianne Cinat, di- rector of UC Irvine's Re- gional Burn Center, said children playing near fire pits at the beach Suffer deep burns if they fall on unseen coal embers or wood from the night before that. are covered by sand. "Sand locks in heat, mak- ing smoldering coats even hotter," Giant said. The LfCI Burn Center treated 20 fire pit - related burn injuries in 2006, 11 in 2007 and 22 in 2008, se- cording to spokesman John Murray. So far this year; the center has already treated 23 fire pit burn patients, 17 of them children, according to Murray. UCI Regional Burn Cen- -er is one of seven burn can- 'era in California accredit- ' by the American Burn lasociation, and the only me in Orange County. Two - year -old Delaney 'eems of L,adera Ranch, a atient at the bun center; naped W.L. r fire pit at Do- say State Reach in Dana oint last month. Delaney was standing on e elevated portion of a fire t as dad Chris shook sand it of her bathing suit. As wis turned away for a mo- Pit stops The California Department of Parks and Recreation operates more than 450 fire pits. Here's where they are located: BolsaChica ik State BeachL� 162 Huntington Slats Beach Corona del 7:�k: tTanw- ar State : r3 M .±. 35 San Onofre Serf Beach The Register ment, the carious ?,year- old jumped into what ap- peared to be a sandbox, the girl's mother said. "He heard screaming," said Lindsey Deems, Dela -. nay's mom. "He just grabbed her:" She described Delaney's feet as coveted in ash. "He brushed it off, and all her skin was hanging off her feet," Lindsey said. Cinat said fire pits are a hidden danger at beaches. "When a.family goes to the beach in the suinmer- i I o, It Fire pit safety tips e Don't bury hot charcoals: Coals can smolder for up to 24 'hours. Dr. Marianne Cinat rec- ommends drenching coals in water, waiting five minutes and drenching them again. If water isn't available, let coals burn out - without burying them. The most risk occurs when hot coals are buried in the sand, creating a hidden danger. e Be aware: Be wary of em- bers that spark from fire pits. And always assume there are hot coals or embers at the bot- tom of a lire pit. e Don't put ice on the skin: Ice can cause skin damage, es- pecially to children whose skin Is thinner than that of adults. Wash the burn with cool water for up Colo minutes. For a small area, put a cool wash- cloth on it; with a larger burn, a cool towel can lower body temperature. Take the burn vic- tim immediately to the nearest emergency room. Source: UCI Medical Center time, there's so many other things that are just bigger, it tends to focus most of their attention," Cheat said. "They're worried about waves and water. They're worried about sum burning. They kind of assume that the fire pits will be taken care or. They look at it anc! see that there's sand iu the bottom and assume that it's ads.,, CWTACT THS wI11Tg R: rkesarwanl @ocreglster.com or 949-454-7347 . I 10/24111 12:44 PM 014031 Iluu1, 1 :11 v, 1, nl %1 mid Smoke Ne"S Daly 1'1111: %ii l'u,1•, 1111.11\ li r N11lnll'111allties 01111 RI1)13 21103 Pholl 1111 1'hrdns NIB Phulu. .:11116 1,11.0m 2007 I'hotm Cidens Unl;n iu l'ea;1s Other Cases I'agv it Shame Other SUlrivs Other III du Lolets Link, V re slcllnn �• `T i. i i/ Wood Burner Smoke Click hi sir! qy my_P9W£r Point -Presv taAwn It will take a few minutes to download... please wait When you can't breathe, nothing else matters! Burning is an option, breathing is not. J1 1 1# 1 I' I' I Clink have to slpn the online petition "After sig Ung hit the back button to return to the situ,*' involved, Just;( willingu?ss to help others. Please eniall ine if you are able to help out. )odsmoke Is not just an outdoor problem. The particles are very small, iging from .2 microns at the start of the burn period to .05 microns as 3 burn cycle progresses. Particles of this size behave like gases, The ly way to keep them of houses out is to iiialte our hume5 airtight and k dying from lack of oxygen. 'When emitter( on cold, still nights, Iodsmake builds up outdoors and then seeps into our houses. A study in ncouver (Intake Fraction of Urban Wood Smoke, Ries et al.. Envir Sci ch, 2009) reported that woodsmoke particles are 7 times more likely to breathed into our lungs than the average PM2.5 particle in Vancouver's sire breathed in, vl/uodjltluite particl rnu +::h than ivir•onmental tobacco i3moi<o. Organic extracts of ambient particulate http: / /woodburnersmoke.net/ Page 1 of 20 tter containing substantial quantities of woodsmoke were found to be fold more potent than extracts of cigarette smoke condensate in a use skin tumour induction assay. In human cell lines, woodsmoke Ised more DNA damage than traffic - generated PM per unit mass and s found to induce lung cancer in (nice. Oncogene mutations in human ients with advanced non -small cell lung cancer have been associated h exposure to wood smoke as well as active tobacco smoking. Woodsrmoke contains several known human carcinogens, including benzene, benzo[a]pyrene and formaldehyde. Burning 1 kg of wood in a modern heater produces more benzo(a]pyrene than in the smoke from 27,000 cigarettes and more benzene and formaldehyde than in the smoke of 6,000 cigarettes. Predominant wood (fuel) users in North America and Europe had a 21% higher risk of lung cancer. In developing countries, exposure to woodsmoke is associated with lung, mouth and throat cancers, and even cervical cancers in wornen who test positive for the HPV virus. In OECD countries, lung cancer increases by 14% for every additional 10 ug /m3 of annual PM2.5 exposure. It is the largest single- source of PM2.5 emissions in most Australian cities - 67% of PM2.5 emissions in Canberra (where 3.9% of households have woodheaters) and 34% in Sydney (where 4.3% use wood as the main form of heating). The situation is similar in Canada, e.g. Quebec, where wood heating is responsible for 61% of fine particle emanations. Based on the estimated 14% increase in lung cancers per 10 ug /m3 of annual PM2.5 exposure and the high proportion of PM2.5 from woodsmoke, the number of cancers from woodsmoke is likely to rival -u perhaps exceed the number from ETS, Thanks to the excellent work of all cancer councils, most people are able to avoid exposure to ETS at work and in restaurants, so population exposure to this toxin is probably less than exposure to woodsmoke, which has been shown to cause many more cancers per unit of exposure than ETS. Or Dorothy L Robinson, Sor Research Scientist, Adj A /Prof, University of New England. e see the research documentation and even more important information at: to download the "Published Literature on Woodsmoke and Cancer ". You must take action NOW if you want to end the horrors of wood smoke emissions (PM2.5), If you (if) nothing, you anti your family will become even more ill, Bad dic 1weinaturely. Now is (lie time for you to end wood smoke......... 10124111 12:44 PM AdCMSesD Wood Healers at Lowo's(b Find AVariely of Wood Heaters 8 Slaves at Lm.eVii Official Site w io.rcz wn Sears,J Stoves Shop Sears for Quality White Slaves. Order Today and Sawl , ;N ii,,3 tMJS.' Nauoleon Fimplaces Call for Confidential Pricing We Guarantee the Best Price ,VxxfttaNl�iletivecl Lima Calicor Trea mon Noninvasive treatment of early stage lung cancer vrith CyberKnlfe Y• —d�_bq An.fo.rmn Thanits to Dr. Arden Pope for his presentation on the "Health Effects of Particulate Matter Air Pollution" http: / /wondbunussmoke.not/ Page 2 of 20 10/24/ 1 1 12:44 PM Living Spaces, filled with information, which can be paLhawd ulline. Excerpt: The smoke and the dust from wildfires is unhealthy to breathe. The effects of smoke range from eye and respiratory tract iffitation to more serious disorders, including reduced lung function, bronchitis, exacerbation of asthma, and premature death. Studies have found that fine particles are linked with increased mortality and aggravation of pre - existing respiratory and cardiovascular disease (Wildfire Smoke A Guide for Public Health Officials, Revised July 2008). Click ttERE to listen to a radio interview by Vicki Morell of the Canadian Clean Air Alliance. Click [[ERE for "The Air We Breathe" video sent by a wood smoke victim. Click HER4 for 'The Dangers of Wood Smoke' video. TheSanad- IaAfranc -e SocieSy lists, among other pollutants, indoor coal or wood burning as linked to a number of negative health effects. It makes existing lung disease and heart problems worse and it increases the number of lung cancer deaths. The EPA has written that wood smoke is 12 times more carcinogenic than tobacco smoke. '11 • lie Il�_ttfeck of 11'qud Inrnke. Na�hiul't�en 11ap• bcujIthacnl ul I:nd1tL'y) Therefore, it can he assumed that, if you rain smell smoke, you are inhaling it. Even limited exposure can he tuu-urf ll. "If you can smell smoke, there Is a problem ". US EPA, Consumer Information Sheet, 1 1 .,,r nr'tild Rllta.7l Woo-1 nuroilul ", 9 -12 -2005. "The inhaled particle from one woodstove is equivalent to the particle pollution emitted from 3,000 gas furnaces producing the same amount of heat per unit." d ]une13. 2011 - Jlii.gy,y SYild111 t:s: ilal•. illrw ,llit'il vlltu— ll1ss. No Breathing Room ... National Illness Costs of Air Pollution in Canada Be sure to shim down to „ , that shows estimates from 2008 that PM2.5 polltition is responsible for the premature deaths of more than 20,000 Canadians, Click here to listen to Bonnie Lichak speak to the Assembly Environmental Committee 2011 Budget http: / /woodbuarersnioke.tiet/ Page 4 or 20 10/24111 12:44 PM ■' t l( n WO MM ( Uor. N.A., <... U.,y Olna.rl (ae4 - v,4.!::t"'1 rt ?,I'i <it.�:4 f:: i-.!:':. Itiri :- fU!Y- ,ir! {fSa. ",4'UI'('I:U�ir <', nl {•a,il.):s iT'r.::: \1n :•. "•.'. The i' in ! -, ,, n . ,— i.ttim; says "Wood smoke is like tobacco smoke. There is no safe level for wood smoke." "In addition to the local problems caused by widespread biomass burning, two other related issues have not been addressed. First, the amount of monitoring for particulate air pollution is not even close to what is needed. Second, our public health laws are not effective in helping people who are being exposed to biomass smoke by a neighbor. The difference in how sewage system incursion on to neighboring prope is addressed is much more clear and reliable than how wood smoke "trespassing is treated by public officials." "We support efforts to rewrite and enforce public health laws that protect people from the dangers of wood smoke exposure. As in the area of secondhand tobacco smol(e the right to breathe healthy air is primary. It supersedes any alleged "right') to burn wood." . ,, says: "Air pollution is a contributing risk factor to developing chronic heart and lung disease and may even result in premature deaths. Health Canada estimates that air pollution causes about 6,000 deaths per year in 8 major Canadian cities. Even those living in rural areas and in cottage country can be affected, too. They may be exposed to pollutants like wood smoke and also breathe in pollutants that get blown by the wind from sources hundreds of kilometers away." The has written that wood smoke is 12 times more carcinogenic than tobacco smoke. http: / /woodburnersmoke.net/ Page 5 of 20 10/24/11 12:44 PM Commission feels that, by their very nature, the following uses and structures cannot be lated in such a fashion as to protect the Health, Safety and Welfare of the general public and are ibited in all zones. Wood Burning Furnaces, as defined by P.A. 05 -227 Maine Wood to Energy Task Force report, 2008, describes this as smoke from worTalovm. Similar photo of Mastedon, N2, 2008 seen on Gool;WMvodsmoke. THE ONLY WISE BURNING IS NO BURNING Much has been published by wood burning appliance makers that might lead one to believe that wood burning Is safe. Not Sol There is no such thing as'good' smoke. All smoke carries particulate matter that can be drawn deep into the lungs to cause severe damage. If you can smell smoke then you are Inhaling these particulates and the damage has begun. You cannot escape the wood smoke that makes its way into your home through ventilation syetoms and even minute spaces in doors and windows. No air cleaner will clear the air and make it safe to breathe. The only answer is for all of you to contact your municipal and governmental leaders and demand that they create bylaws regarding wood burning in residential areas. You might want to tell them that, If they have banned cigarette smoking in public areas, uvhy zw -i you tore•: +t to breathe wood smnke to vnrF own honkie and property? W � all need to work on this Important issue and %ve'need to do V. nowi 6A, htip: /Iwoodburnersmoke.net/ Page 10 of 20 10/24/11 12:44 Pa Dioxins and furans are some of the most toxic chemicals known to science. . Th+ FPA report confirmed that dioxin is a cancer hazard to people. When you burn wood you produce dioxin. A recent Lawrence Livermore study found that while wood burning was the third largest source of dioxin in many cities. Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons are produced in abundance when you burn wood. hey are primarily formed by incomplete combustion of carbon - containing fuels such as wood, coal, diesel, fat, or tobacco. Tar co contains PAHs. Since human civilization relies so heavily on combustion, PAHs are inevitably linked to our energy production. this sense, PAH can be thought of as marker molecules as their abundance can be directly proportional to combustion )cesses in the region and therefore directly related to air quality. Different types of combustion yield different distributions of Ms. "A Wikipediwo February of 1995 the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission received a report on indoor carcinogenic pollutant fissions from EPA Phase 11 Wood Stoves: Normalizing for the rate of wood consumption during each test, the average rnzota]pyrene (Bfa]P) source strength is 32 ng/kg of wood burned. The average Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons AH) source strength is 360 ng/kg of wood. This is the exposure on average to the user. The neighbor, of course, gets the brunt of wood smoke pollution. (NISTIR 5575) U.S. Department of Commerce. EPA estimates that the lifetime cancer risk from wood stove smoke is twelve times greater than from an equal volume of second hand tobacco smoke. (The Health Effects of Wood Smoke, hington State Department of Ecology) •ing two cords of wood produces the same amount of mutagenic particles as: Driving 13 gasoline powered cars 10,000 each at'20 miles /gallon. These figures indicate that the worst contribution that an individual Is likely to make to the ;enicity of the air is using a wood stove for heating, followed by driving a diesel car." ( Dr. )oellen Lewtas, Contribution of e Emissions of the Mutagenicity of Ambient Urban Air Particles, U.S. EPA, 1191.137.6, 1991 ) updated: October 23, 2011 NEW! More Value. ,�'r ,I �P Power Up Today! r r. �. i,.,, ■ `�i1 ---- - --- _ I not htlp: / /woorlburtietsrnake.net/ Page 18 of 21 Healthy Hearths 4u i", IIli 1 wry d.i /i"IvP.n, ;.'. Current Hourly Air Ouality Current Advisor!es Daily Forecast: Today Tomorrow PDF version Sign up for Air Alerts Search GO A -Z Index Advanced Search QUICK LINKS AQMD Newsroom Budgets /Audited Financial Reports Calendar of Events CEQA Certification Programs /Certified Equip Compliance Information Employment/ Business Opportunities Enforcement Frequently Asked Questions Funding Incentives /Opportunities Governing Board Health Studies Hearing Board Links To Other Websites Onsite Services Permitting Information Public Workshops /Hearings /Meetings Public Records Requests Publications /Media Reporting Air Quality Complaints Rules & Regulations Staff Directory framing /Compliance Assist. Classes Webcasts AQMD Forms 10/24/11 I1:58AN Get Health Effects Info I r, ��A Srgn up .:spa tol 14130 1 M 4 0 Home - En Espailol - Why Healthy Hearths? • Wood- Burning Tips - Gas Log Incentives - Supporters • Check Before You Burn • FAQ • Press Room Quiz on Household Emissions 1. True or False: Since wood smoke is an organic substance, a wood burning fireplace offers a clean and natural way to heat a home. True False 2. Wood smoke contains which of the following pollutants? a) Carbon monoxide (CO) b) Nitrogen oxides (NOx) c) Volatile organic compounds d) A and B e) All of the above 3. True or False: Residential wood burning contributes more fine particle pollution (or PM2.5) to Southern California's air than all the power plants in Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino and Riverside counties combined. True False 4. What heating unit is the most efficient? a) Wood- burning manufactured fireplace b) Pellet stove c) Gas heater d) Electric fireplace http: / /twav3.agmd.gov /webappi /lilt- quiz /Default.aspx Page I of 1 Healthy Hearths 10/24/11 11:58 AM 5. True or False: Fans are an efficient way to both heat and coot a home. OTrue OFatse 6. Creosote buildup can form in your chimney if: Oa) You burn garbage, plywood, or chemically- treated wood 0b) You reduce the air supply of a big fire Oc) Your chimney has not been properly cleaned and maintained Od) All of the above 7. True or False: Burning wood during the cold, dry winter months has less of a negative effect on the air quality than burning wood during the hot, windy summer months. OTrue OFaise 8. Which of the following methods can help you contol the temperature of your home? Oa) Weather - stripping all door and window openings Ob) Painting the outside of your home Oc) Placing a tamp next to your thermostat 0d) None of the above 9. True or False: The South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) is offering a $125 incentive for Southern California residents who make the switch from wood- burning fireplaces to gas -log sets. 0 True 0 False 10. In addition to Healthy Hearths, AQMD is involved in which of the following programs to help clean the air we breathe? Oa) Annual lawn -mower exchanges Ob) Fuel -cell research and funding Oc) Giving motorists financial incentives to scrap their high- emission vehicles ,0 d) All of the above 11. Which of the following items in your home contribute to the formation of smog in Southern California? Oa) Paint !fib) Dry- cleaned clothes Oc) Barbeque grills http: / /www3.agnld.gov /webappl /lih- quiz /Defatilt.aspx Page 2 of 3 Healthy Hearths 10124111 11:58 AM d) All of the above 12. Which activity causes more pollution? a) Mowing your lawn with an older gasoline - powered lawnmower for one year b) Driving 43 new cars for one year c) Both emit the same auunur For more Information about Healthy Hearths, contact us at HealthyHem thsCaaJ gov Many documents on this Web site are available as; Aclobe Acrobat (PDF); Aicr000f l Excet (XLS); Microsoft PowerPoint (PPT); or Microsoft Word (DOC) files. To view or print these files, you may need to download the free viewer. Home I Employment I Contact Us I Lemis ti Conditions I Privacy I Website Navigation Ti os I Question or Need InLi I Report Website Problem 21865 Copley Dr, Diamond Bar, CA 91765 - (909) 396.2000 - (800) CUT -SMOG (288 -7664) hllp:// vnm3. agind. gov /webapl)l /hh- gglz /Defa"l6aspx Page 3 of 3 Healthy Hearths nil 1 ),I ,Iii ; Ian � � ;1 .1 /Mvi`.',I ii,. Current Hourly Air Ouality Current Advisories %bM Daily Forecast: Today Tomorrow PDF version Sien up for Air Alerts 10/5/11 4:18 PM JAY Get Health Effects Info ��A Sign up Espafiol 1 413C 1 (4 ,401 Home • En Espaf of • Why Healthy Hearths? • Wood- Burning Tips - Gas Log Incentives • Supporters • Check Before You Burn • FAQ • Press Room Search GO Quiz on Household Emissions A -Z index Advanced Search You answered 12 out of 12 questions correctly QUICK LINKS 1. True or False: Since wood smoke is an organic substance, a wood burning fireplace offers a clean and natural way to heat a home. AQMD Newsroom Your Answer: False is correct Budgets /Audited Financial Reports Correct Answer: False. Burning wood releases a significant amount of fine Calendar of Events article pollution PM PM resents a threat to individual health because P P ( 2.5)• 2.5 P CEQA Certification Programs /Certified Equip the particles are so small that the body's natural defense mechanisms can't keep Compliance Information them from entering the lungs. For Southern California residents, particularly Employment /Business Opportunities children and the elderly, this can lead to reduced lung function, bronchitis, Enforcement asthma attacks and even premature death. Frequently Asked Questions 2. Wood smoke contains which of the following pollutants? Funding Incentives /Opportunities Your Answer: e) All of the above is correct Governing Board Correct Answer: E) All of the above. Wood smoke contains hundreds of harmful Health Studies compounds in addition to those listed above, including sulfur dioxide and Hearing Board Links To Other Websites formaldehyde, as well as chemicals known or suspected to be carcinogens such as Onsite services polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Permitting Information 3. True or False: Residential wood burning contributes more fine particle Public Workshops /Hearings /Meetings pollution (or PM2,5) to Southern California's air than all the power plants In Public Records Requests Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino and Riverside counties combined. Pubtications /Media Your Answer: True is correct Reporting Air Quality Complaints Rules B Regulations Staff Directory Training /Compliance Assist. Classes Correct Answer: True. Wood - burning PMZ,S emissions total six tons per day - more Webcasts than four times the amount of PM2,5 released by all the power plants in four major Southern California countiesl 4. What heating unit Is the most efficient? AQMD Forms Your Answer: d) Electric Fireplace Is correct Correct Answer: D) Electric fireplaces. Electric fireplaces are 100% efficient, followed by pellet stoves (75% to 90%), gas heaters (60% to 40 %) and htip: //v 3. aqmd. gov /webappl /hh- quizIDefatill.aspx Page I of 3 Healthy Hearths 10/5/11 4:18 Ph manutactured tireplaces ( -11.17. to 10x). On average, fireplaces lose YU% of their energy through the chimney. Fireplaces are so inefficient that they should not be considered heating devices according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Electric, gas and pellet stoves offer more efficient and cost - saving sources of heat, and unlike wood - burning, they produce little to no fine particle pollution, offering an environmentally - friendly heating alternative. 5. True or False: Fans are an efficient way to both heat and cool a home. Your Answer: True Is correct Correct Answer: True. Fans not only provide an inexpensive and green method for cooling but they can also help heat your home. A well - positioned and slow - rotating fan can help ensure that the warmth emitted from your heating source doesn't Just drift up to the ceiling but spreads throughout the room. 6. Creosote buildup can form in your chimney if: Your Answer: d) All of the above is correct Correct Answer: D) All of the above. Creosote forms when unburned carbon materials vaporize and condense inside a chimney flue. When chimneys don't vent properly, the creosote buildup can push harmful wood smoke into your home or even cause a house fire. If you must burn wood, be sure to only burn dry, seasoned wood. This type of wood bums hot and clean, helping to remove creosote buildup. Be sure to have your fireplace and chimney professionally cleaned when needed. 7. True or False: Burning wood during the cold, dry winter months has less of a negative effect on the air quality than burning wood during the hot, windy summer months. Your Answer: False Is correct Correct Answer: False. The lack of wind and colder temperatures during winter allow smoke and air pollutants to remain stagnant at ground level for long periods of time, leading to an increased risk of exposure to wood smoke's harmful pollutants. Also, because we burn more wood during the cold winter months, the amount of PM2,5 increases from six tons per day to more than 10 tons per day. 8. Which of the following methods can help you contol the temperature of your home? Your Answer: a) Weather - stripping all door and window openings is correct Correct Answer: A) Weather - stripping door and window openings prevents heat from escaping during the winter months and helps keep cold air indoors during the summer. Other tips for saving on energy Include using energy- efficient appliances and planting a tree next to your home to provide shade and a natural source of cooling, and using energy- efficient appliances. 9. True or False: The South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) is offering a $125 incentive for Southern California residents who make the switch from wood - burning fireplaces to gas -log sets. Your Answer: Tait is correct Correct Answer: True. As part of the Healthy Hearths Initiative, Southern California residents looking to "green" their fireplaces by switching to gas are eligible for a monetary incentive. Gas -log sets offer a wide variety of aesthetic decor options, burn clean and are a safe and environmentally - friendly alternative to wood burning. 10. In addition to Healthy Hearths, AQMD is involved In which of the following programs to help clean the air we breathe? Yom AnswQI: (I) ;ill of Liu" a1)VO i; c(re,:t Correct Answer: D) All of the above. AQMD is Involved in a myriad of programs and research initiatives that actively advocate and work toward clean air for all. From our lawnmower exchange program that replaces thousands of high - polluting http: / /- ,uwi3.agmd.gov /webappl /Iih- quiz /Defatill.aspx Page 2 of 3 Healthy Hearths 10151114:18 PM gas mowers with clean, energy - efficient electric models to our extensive research in alternative energy and fuel -cell technology to our HEROS program that gives motorists money to repair or scrap their high - emission vehicles, AQMD is committed to undertaking all feasible steps to protect public health from air pollution. 11. Which of the following items in your home contribute to the formation of smog in Southern California? Your Answer: d) All of the above is correct Correct Answer: D) All of the above, unless you make environmentally conscious- choices for each. Painting homes and other structures causes more than 20 tons per day of smog - forming pollutants, so look for paints with very low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as water -based or latex paints. Dry cleaners in the region emit perchloroethylene, a toxic chemical that poses a risk to personal health. Opt for professional wet cleaning or hydrocarbon -based dry cleaning. And while charcoal grills are a summer tradition, some charcoals emit 105 times more carbon monoxide than burning propane. They too produce a variety of harmful VOCs. Propane or natural gas grills are a great way to cook outdoors and they give you an even cooking surface - without the health risks[ 12. Which activity causes more pollution? Your Answer: c) Both emit the same Is correct Correct Answer: Both. Unbellevably, these two activities emit the same amount of pollution. Help cut pollution by mowing your lawn with a battery- powered, cordless electric mower. Electric mowers are more efficient, just as powerful and quieter than most gas models. Making this easy switch will eliminate the equivalent amount of pollution as driving 43 new cars for one year! For more information about Healthy Hearths, contact us at HeallhvHearths@aa in d.uTy Many documents on this Web site are available as: Adobe Acrobat (PDF); Microsoft Excel (XLS); Microsoft PowerPoint (PPT); or Microsoft Word (DOC) files. To view or print these files, you may need to download the free viewer. Home I Emolovmeot I Contact Us I Tgrrns 8 Conditions I Privacy I Website Navigation Tips I Question or Need hdol I Report Website Problem 21865 Copley Dr, Diamond Bar, CA 91765 - (909) 396 -2000 - (800) CUT -SMOG (288.7664) http: / /wry 3. aqmd. gov /webappi /bli-quiz /Default.aspx Page 3 of 3 Why Healthy Hearths? Home Inside AQMD Community Business Technology Health B Education CGgrent liow Iv Air Quality Current Advisories �tiy 7� 1 Daily Forecast: Today Tomorrow PDF version Sign up for Air Alerts 10/12/11 7:32 AM Get Health Effects Info ��� OA Stgnup Governing Board Espanol I *3Z I 0 -4W O SHORE In 6- -... Home • En EspaAol • Why Healthy Hearths? • Wood - Burning Tips - Gas Log Incentives - Supporters • Check Before You Burn • FAQ • Press Room ItttP:// vmn v. agnid .gov /lieaRhylteartllslWliy_HH.htm Page I of 2 Why do we need "Healthy Hearths "? Search The Healthy Hearths Initiative was created to reduce pollution and protect public health from the harmful emissions of wood burning. Despite steady progress Select Language _ _ Md. toward Improved air quality, Southern California still has the worst pollution in Powered by Go gk• Translate the country. This fact leads to more than 6,200 premature deaths and 100,000 new cases of asthma per year in this region. From switching to electric QUICK LINKS laymmowei s to using your fireplace responsibly, every small step toward cleaner air will help protect your respiratory health. AQMD Newsroom Budgets /Audited Financial Reports So take part In Healthy Hearths and help Southern California in these ways: Calendar of Events CEQA Reduce Pollution Caused by Wood Burning Certification Programs /Certified Equip Compliance Information Wood burning creates six tons of harmful PM2.5 emissions per day In the South Employment /Business Opportunities Coast Air Basin. That's more than four times the amount of PM2.5 emitted from all Enforcement of the power plants in the areal And it's even worse in the winter, when wood Frequently Asked Questions burning is at its peak. From November through March, pollution from wood Funding Incentives /Opportunities burning has been estimated to be more than 10 tons per day. Governing Board Health studies Starting in November 2011, wood burning will be prohibited during winter months Hearing Board Links To Other Websites In specific areas where PM2.5 is forecast to reach unhealthy levels. Onsite Services Permitting Information Although the Healthy Hearths initiative only prohibits wood- burning devices in Public Workshops /Hearings /Meetings new homes, those who own existing homes can burn cleaner too. There are plenty Public Records Requests of wood - burning alternatives and resources to help you switch to -u:. Pubtirations /Media Reporting Air Quality Complaints Rules B Regulations Reduce Health Risks Caused by Wood Burning Staff Directory Training /Compliance Assist. Classes Pollution from wood smoke contains very small particles known as PM2.5. These Transportation Programs particles are 2.5 microns in diameter - that's 1 /30th the width of a human hairl Webrasts Because it's so small, PM2.5 can lodge deep In the lungs and cause a variety of respiratory health problems. Long -term exposure to PM2.5 can lead to reduced lung function and chronic AQMDForms r........r.,.,, r....� ............ .....n---- 1 .,..........,.... a.,.. r..,-.,.aa .. a.....,.__ ...... ItttP:// vmn v. agnid .gov /lieaRhylteartllslWliy_HH.htm Page I of 2 Why Healthy HeaHhs? 10/12/11 7:32 AM ui vuwuu. m wu,c nano, pwwugcu cnpvwic w uun uonwm auwsanw way crcu lead to premature death. Short -term exposure can make existing respiratory conditions such as asthma or lung disease worse. It may also increase the risk of respiratory infections, and those with heart disease could even be at risk for heart attacks or arrhythmias. Young children and the elderly are especially vulnerable to the effects of PM2,5. To learn more, watch our healthy I-learlbs video Oere. For more information about Healthy Hearths, contact us at LLgI(IryliS3tUISC� rn v This page updated: November 09, 2010 URt: http: / /tn .agmd .gov /healthyhearths /W/iy_HH.htm Stay Connected A -Z Index Questions /Need ludo? Viewers Facebook r Twitter YouTUbe Contact Us Terms of Use /Accessibility/Privacy ,,I '� PDF ` ft Employment Webmaster South Coast AQMD • 21865 Copley or - Diamond Dar, CA 91765 • (909) 396 -2000 • 800 -CUT -SMOG (288.7664) This site best viewed In the latest version of Internet Explorer littp: /Iwmi.agmd. gov /liealihylieaftlis /Wliy_HH.hirn Page 2 of 2 A(0) South Coast AQMD Efforts to Reduce Wood Smoke Emissions (April 2008) Background People that live and work in the South Coast Air Basin breathe unhealthful amounts of fine particulate matter, also referred to as PM2.5 which stands for "particulate matter less than 2.5 microns in diameter." These particles are so small that the body's natural defense mechanisms can't keep them from entering deep into the lungs where they can harm us by reducing lung function, making bronchitis and other lung conditions worse, and triggering asthma and heart attacks. The State and federal government set health -based air quality standards, which this area does not yet meet. Although not the largest source, wood smoke from fireplaces and wood stoves contributes to the poor air quality in our area. Answers to frequently asked questions on PM2.5 health effects and AQMD Rule 445 — Wood Burning Devices, are found below. You may also want to review the detailed information that has been prepared to answer to frequently asked questions for local govermnent building officials, home builders, architects, installers or other interested parties. Health Effects from Wood Smoke Wood smoke consists of very small particles, generally less than 2.5 microns in diameter (1 /30th the diameter of a human hair) that can evade the body's natural defense mechanisms. A study by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) estimated that the elevated ambient 1999 -2000 PM2.5 levels from all sources here in the South Coast Air Basin result in 5,400 premature deaths, 140,000 asthma/lower respiratory symptoms and 980,000 lost work days per year. For more information on the health effects from air pollution, refer to Appendix I of the 2007 Air Quality Management Plan (AQMP). Wood smoke contains a mixture of gases and fine particles that can cause burning eyes, runny nose, and bronchitis. Even limited exposure to smoke can be harmful to human health, particularly to the health of children, the elderly, and those with chronic health conditions. Beside fine particulates, wood smoke also contains carbon monoxide and toxic compounds, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons A0 South Coast AQMD Efforts to Reduce Wood Smoke Emissions (April 2008) also known as PAHs. You may also want to visit the following web sites if you are interested in learning more about heath effects from wood smoke: littp://www.epa.p,ov/woodstoves/healtheffects.htiii] http : / /www.ehhi.ore/woodsmoke/health effects.shtml http:// www. pubmedeentral .nih.gov /articierender.femi ?artid = 1026893 Frequently Asked Questions about AQMD Rule 445 — Wood Burning Devices 1. What action is the District taking to address wood smoke emissions? The AQMD Governing Board adopted Mule 445 — Wood Burning Devices on March 7, 2008 and has also initiated an incentive program to encourage the public to switch to gaseous - fueled hearth products. 2. What does Rule 445 require? The main elements of the rule are: • standards for new construction and existing structures; • no burning of items such as trash in a wood burning device; • requirements for commercial bulk wood sellers relative to selling unseasoned wood during certain months; and ® a mandatory curtailment element that will be implemented during high pollution days beginning in 2011 during winter months, if any. The following is a link to the Rule 445 Facl Shcel. 3. ` I hat does the incentive prograrn offer? The AQMD Governing Board has approved the release of a request for proposals to hire one or more contractors to implement a program that would offer the public fmancial incentives to switch to gaseous - fueled hearth products. Under the i A0MM South Coast AQMD Efforts to Reduce Wood Smoke Emissions (April 2008) program, the gaseous - fueled hearth product (i.e., log set, fireplace insert, or stove) would have to be professionally installed in order to receive the financial incentive. Details are still being explored, however, it is anticipated that the financial incentive will be in the $ 100 to $150 range per residence. For more information you can view the Program Announcement: 4. What portions of Southern California are subject to Rule 445? Rule 445 applies to the South Coast Air Basin portion of the South Coast Air Quality Management District. As shown in the map below, this area is generally defined as all of Orange County and the non -desert portion of Los Angeles, Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. Rule 445 is not applicable in the Coachella Valley. The standards for new construction and the mandatory wood burning curtailment program that will be implemented in 2011 are not applicable to properties 3,000 and more feet in elevation. You can also view a more detailed nom. Woodsmoke or stood smoke fact sheets about toxic health effects of bre ... d fireplaces and other sources, excerpted from major science studies. 10/19/119:09 1 Buming Issues - A pro /ed of Clean AlrRevival, Inc. Burning Issues Wood Smoke Fact Sheets (updated January 2003) For more information and updates visit our website at: http: //hurningissues.org Burning Issues is a project of Clean Air Revival, Inc., a non - profit 501 C3 organization dedicated to research and education on clean energy and the detrimental effects of particulate aerosol pollution. Project Statement: Smoke from residential burning of wood, wood burning restaurants and outdoor burning of wood, crops and debris is permeating our neighborhoods. This burning results in high ground level concentrations of toxic air pollution. Millions of people are becoming ill from these emissions and some are dying. Awareness and education are the key elements to the abatement of this source of deadly fine particulate pollution in our communities. Please take the time to read these informative fact sheets. Particulate pollution is the most important contaminant in our air. ...we know that when particle levels go up, people die. A number of studies also show changes in inflammatory markers in the blood, which are risk factors for heart attack." Joel Schwartz, Pl1.D., Harvard School of Public Health, E Magazine, SeptJOct. 2002 "The largest single source of outdoor fine particles (PM2.5) entering into our homes in many American cities is our neighbor's fireplace or wood stove. ....only a few hours of wood burning in a single home at night can raise fine particle concentrations in dozens of surrounding homes throughout the neighborhood and cause PAH concentrations higher than 2,000 ng 1m3." (Dr. Wayne Ott, Stanford University, Feb. 1, 1998) 1. "... as many as 60,000 U.S, residents per year may die from breathing particulate at or below legally allowed levels." (Joel Schwartz, USEPA as quoted in Dust to Dust: A Particularly Lethal Legacy, Science News, 139:212, 1991); "Dirty- -Air Cities Far Deadlier Than Clean Ones, Study Shows ", The New York Times National, 3/10/95 p. A20; "Mammalian lungs don't have defenses against small particles, says Schwartz ", Tiny Particles, Big Dilemma, Business Week, Aug.4, 1997) 2. Worldwide estimate of premature deaths due to wood smoke is 2.7 to 3 million, with respiratory illness being the largest killer of infants. Health and Environment in Sustainable Development, World Health Organization, 1997, p.242. An 86 page research list is available on the web "An Annotated Bibliography on Acute Respiratory Infections and Indoor Air Pollution with Emphasis on Children Under 5 in Developing Countries ", ( J.P. McCracken & I.R. Smith, done for the Environmental Health Project, USAID, December 1997.) Copies are available on the EHP web site at: htt4r /Avww,crossli_nk.ilct/ - chp /ari_fli�_2.litm..or contact Dan Campbell, E14P, at email, campbelldb@cdm.com to request a printed copy. Yltp: / /burninglssues.org /fact- sheet.him Page I of 5 Woodsmoke or Wood smoke fact sheets about toxic health effects of bte...d fireplaces and other sources, excerpted from major science studies. 10119/119:0 3. "The risk of premature death is 17% higher in cities with high fine particulate levels when compared with cities with cleaner air." (Dockery, et al, American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, March 1995) 4. The elderly, newborns, children, adults who exercise rigorously and those with existing heart and lung disease are most at risk for premature death due to particle pollution exposure. (American Lung Association, "The Perils of Particulates ", 1- 800 -LUNG -USA) 5. For every increase in the level of particle air pollution there is a measurable increase in chronic respiratory illness. On an average it is 6% increase in mortality and an 18 1/2% increase in respiratory hospital emissiom for every 50 m/m3. (Joel Schwartz, Harvard School of Public Health, Particulate Air Pollution and Chronic Respiratoly Disease, Environmental Research 62,7-13, 1993) 6. In localities where wood is the predominant (rouse heating fuel, wood stoves have been shown to contribute as much as 80% of the ambient PM10 (fine particle) concentrations during winter months. This study shows that the new technology stoves do not achieve the emission reduction expected. Some models were experiencing degraded emission control performance after only a few months use. "the relatively poor showing of the control technologies was very disappointing." ( In -House Performance of New Technology Wood stoves. EPA/600/D- 90/026, Robert C. McCrillis, EPA /600/D- 90/026) 7. In some neighborhoods, on some days, 90% of the particle pollution is from residential burning. (Jane Koenig and Timothy Larson, A Samm= of Emissions Characterization and Non - cancer Respiratory Effects of Wood Smoke, USEPA DOC #453/R -93- 036,1- 919 -541 -0888) 8. a) Children's health studies document that living in homes where wood is burned, and in communities where wood smoke is prevalent, the wood smoke smoke causes decreases in lung capacity and increases in asthma attacks, frequency and severity of general respiratory illness, emergency room visits and school absences. b.) Wood burning releases many air pollutants, some of these are: chlorinated Dioxin, carbon monoxide, methane, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), nitrogen oxides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), and fine particulate matter (PM10, PM2.5). ( "AA Surat of Emissions Cbaracterizations and Non - Cancer Respiratory Effects of Wood Smoke ", Anuszewski, , Larson,, and Koenig, (1992); " -simultaneous Indoor and Outdoor Particle Liaht Scatterine Measurements at Nine Homes Using a Portable Neohelometer" University of Washington, Dept. of Civil Engineering and Dept. of Environmental Health) 9. Lab rats exposed to 750ug1m3 wood smoke concentration experienced an immediate 25% reduction in pulmonary bacterial clearance. Certain lung functions were reduced by 23% and 61 % after 1.5 and 2.5 hours respectively. Researchers concluded that wood smoke compromises important pulmonary immune defense mechanisms and suggests an association between wood smoke and increased incidence of respiratory infection. (Zelikoff, J.T., N.Y. Univ. Med. Center, Instit. of Env. Med, CIAR Currents, Nov. 1994) 10.50% of the polynuclear organic material (POM)in our air is from residential burning. PO Ms contain the subgroup PAH. PAHs include benzo(a) pyrene and other known carcinogenic compounds.( - ous Performance of New Technology Wood Stoves, EPA /600/D- 90/026) 11. California: Data from a fixed site in a residential neighborhood of the San Francisco Bay Area shows that particulate concentrations increase most rapidly in the early evening and that the highest concentrations occur in the late evening, after I I PM. ()£ca'�ane Monitoring of Air BornQ h egg ", Mary J. Rozenberg, Inhalation Toxicology, (7(5), 1995 ). tp: / /burningissues.org /Tact- sheet.him page 2 of 5 Woodsmoke or woad smoke fact sheets about toxic health effects of bre ... d fireplaces and other sources. excerpted from major science studies. 10119/119:09.0 12. California:ln middle class suburban California neighborhood indoor and outdoor PAH levels coincided with residential wood stove and fireplace use in the evenings of the heating season. Indoor levels averaged 60% of outdoor levels. Indoor- Outdoor PAH Time Series from the Residential Exposure PWject. Technical Proeress Report //1. Develonment of and Advanced Total Human Exposure Model. EPA Innovative Research Program, Nov. 1995, Wayne Ott, Ph.D; Neil Kleipus. 13. The US EPA warns that exposure to a fraction of a nanogram of PAH increases our risk of developing cancer. (Wood Burning Fireplaces: Romance or Risk, BioScience Vol. 32 No 2, February, 1982) 14. Wood smoke contains over 200 chemicals and compound groups. The emissions are almost entirely in the inhalable size range. This paper is a must read. (Environmental Impact of Residential Wood Combustion Emissions and Its Implications, John A. Cooper, APCA Journal, Vol.30 No.8, August 1980); Air borne wood dust (uncombusted) can cause respiratory, eye and skin irritation. Breathing excessive amounts of wood dust has been associated with nasal cancer in some industries. The international agency for research of cancer (LARC) classified all wood dust as a human carcinogen Group 1. 15.(a) Wood smoke particle analyses show particle range between 0.15 and .4 microns, with essentially none greater than one micron, (Koenig, et al, 1993); (b) Burning Issues shows a photograph of wood particles taken from a woman's diseased lung on our website. Note the tissue piercing shape of the coated and uncoated wood fibers, (Interstitial Lung Disease and Domestic Wood Burning, Ramage, Roggli, Bell, and Piantadosi,1987); (c ) The smoke pollution particles are so small that they filter into our homes even with all the doors and windows closed. The level of indoor air pollution is typically equal to 70% of the outdoor pollution level. (1k Health Effects of Wood Smoke, Washington State Department of Ecology) 16. (a)The EPA estimates that the lifetime cancer risk from wood stove smoke is twelve times greater than that from an equal volume of second hand tobacco smoke. Cme- Health Effects of Wood Smoke, Washington State Department of Ecology); (b) "Buming two cords of wood produces the same amount of mutagenic particles as: Driving 13 gasoline powered cars 10,000 miles each at 20 miles/gallon or driving 2 diesel powered cars 10,000 miles each @ 30 miles/gallon. These figures indicate that the worst contribution that an individual is likely to make to the mutagenicity of the air is using a wood stove for heating, follower by driving a diesel car. (Dr. Joellen Lewtas, Contribution of Source Emissions of the Mutagenicily of Ambient Urban Air Particles. U.S. EPA, #91- 131.6,1991) 17. Free radicals produced from wood smoke are chemically active for twenty minutes, tobacco smoke free radicals are chemically active for thirty seconds. Wood smoke free radicals may attack our bodies cells up to forty times longer once inhaled. (Lachocki, Pryor, et al, Persistent Free Radicals in Wood smoke, Louisiana State University, Free Radical Biology & Medicine Vol.12,1992) 18. Dioxin:Wood burning is the second largest source of dioxin in the San Francisco Bay Area. (LLL, 2001) Wood burning is the third largest source of dioxin in the United States. (EPA 1994, Loretta Uceili spokeswoman, Washington Post) 19. The San Francisco Bay Area alone could enjoy $2 billion a year in health benefits, avoid thousands of serious illnesses and save 400 lives a year if the air quality regulators would focus on reducing particle air pollution (Jane Hall, Environmental Scientist, California State University at Fullerton, Air Quality Regulators Pick Wrong Ta W, S.F. Chronicle, 9/25/94) (David Fairley of the Bay Area Air Quality Management District estimates that more than $1 billion of medical illness expense in the Bay area is from wood smoke pollution. One wood fire can cost as much as $40. of medical damage to neighbors. The BAAQMD estimates 4ttp: / /buiningissues.org /fact— stieet.him Page 3 of 5 Woodsmuke or Wood smoke fact sheets about toxic health effects of bre ... d fireplaces and other sources, excerpted from major science studies. 10119/119:09 Alk 26. "The largest single source of outdoor fine particles (PM2.5) entering into our homes in many American cities is our neighbor's fireplace or wood stove. Despite the ineffectiveness of a fireplace in heating a home, only a few hours of wood burning in a single home at night can raise fine particle concentrations in dozens of surrounding homes throughout the neighborhood and cause PAH concentrations higher than 2,000 ng/m3. The far reaching implications of these scientific discoveries for environmental laws have not yet sunk in the Nation's consciousness. The best way to reduce the exposures of our children and families to toxic pollutants that cause cancer, asthma, or other diseases is by taking very simple steps in our daily lives, not relying on billion- dollar "remediations" or complex laws controlling industrial point source emissions. Indeed, ignoring indoor air pollution and human exposure as the nation is doing under its current environmental laws, is a tragic disregard of our children's health and the well-being of future generations." ( Dr. Wayne Ott, Statistics, Stanford University, 2/1/98) 27. Smoke is smoke: Smoke from the burning of the straw residues from Kentucky grass seed fields contains at least two different types of organic compounds, i e. the phenolic compounds and the PAHs. The phenols appear to be present in much higher concentrations than the PAHs. In the short-term, inhalation of this smoke, from MSDS toxicity data, would appear that these relatively volatile phenolic compounds are likely to cause acute irritation of the mucous membranes of the lungs as well as eye and skin irritation. Further, the long -term carcinogenic effects due to exposure to the PAHs could he expected. CHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF GRASS SEED FIELD STRAW, Jeffrey A. Corkin, Ph. D., Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Eastern Washington University (19967 Burning Issues Box 1045 Point Arena CA 95468 Tel: 707 - 882 -3601 Email: 1pmlOrnaa at Wren dot orgJ URL:http://burningissues.org Back to Burning Issues hit p: /fburningissues.org /fact- sheet.htin Page 5 of 5 ATTACHMENT C From: William Singleton fmailto:billnmimi @msn.coml Sent: Wednesday, October 05, 20115:01 PM To: dalcaraz(a)newportbeachca.gov; tcraig @newportbeachca.gov Cc: Gardnerncy @aol.com Subject: FW: Possible Liability & Other Questions Teri, Would you please forward this information to the members of the Parks, Beach & Recreation Committee and any one else who is studying the Fire Rings at CDM Big Corona Beach? Thanks. Bill Singleton Fyi..communications earlier this year with Nancy Gardner and the previous City Attorney re: Fire Rings at CDM Big Corona Beach. See also two Attachments. - - - -- Original Message---- - From: William Singleton fmailto:billnmimi(o)msn.coml Sent: Wednesday, March 30, 2011 12:38 PM To: da Ica razCa. City. Newport- Beach. ca. us Cc: Gardnerncy(a?aol.com Subject: FW: Possible Liability & Other Questions I am sending this over to the City Attorney's office since I am concerned about some legal questions and I have had no reply from Nancy Gardner. I am also attaching a word document which contains the posting on the coronadelmartoday.com web site that I referenced in the original email. In looking at the pictures again, other liability /enforcement questions arise, in addition to the ones in my original email. There is a photo of a woman dangling a child over the fire Would this be considered child endangerment? Could the city be held liable for child endangerment as well as adult burns and accidents mentioned in my original email? Thanks. Bill Singleton 949 697 -5380 - - - -- Original Message---- - From: William Singleton fmailto:billnmimi(a2msn.coml Sent: Wednesday, March 16, 2011 2:08 PM To: Gard nerncv(a)_aol.com Subject: Possible Liability & Other Questions Nancy, Last night was the Persian New Year and the traffic seems to be getting worse each year when this event occurs. I had to park in the alley behind my house in the 300 block of Larkspur (I never have to do this at other times of the year). The following are some comments from the coronadelmartoday.com web site, where you can read the entire write up and look at the pictures of people on the fire rings and jumping over them. ------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------ About 5,000 people filled Big Corona State Beach this evening to celebrate Persian New Year, filling the 27 beach fire rings with bonfires as part of an ancient tradition. ...... "It's a party," she said. "We all jump over the fire." When you jump over the fire, she said, you are supposed to speak words that give any sickness to the flames. Her father, Ahmad Sarrafi, 85, said the fire cleanses everyone. He said the tradition honored an old Persian king who saw a snake and threw a stone at it. ....Newport Beach added 15 extra patrol officers as well as park police to monitor the crowds, but they said other than some First Aid calls and crowd control at the end of the night, the celebrations were usually calm and without incident. ------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------ If someone falls in the fire and is injured, could the city be held liable? If the city is not liable, how is it protected? My concern is this: about 20 -25 years ago we lived on Balboa Island and the city was sued when someone dove from a pier into the water (somewhere in Newport Beach, not necessarily Balboa Island) and broke their neck. Even though there were "No Diving" signs there, the diver claimed he had done it a year earlier and had not hit a sand bar. They claimed that "No Diving, Sand Bars Can be Present" (or something to that effect) should have been on the signs. The city lost the case and consequently the city told us we could no longer hold our "Block Parties" due to liability. The City Attorney should have information on that case. Other questions: I assume gathering of this size require a permit. Is that correct? Who pays for the beach cleanup, extra police, helicopter (I called the Newport Beach Police and asked what the helicopter was up to last night shortly after 10pm and was told they were trying to close the beach), etc? Thanks. Bill Singleton Attachment from coronadelmartoday.com submitted by William Singleton Fire Rines Should Be Studied Aaain, Council Decides posted: September 14th, 2011 01:23 pm I I IComments Beach officials will study the safety of beach fire rings and whether they should be banned, nearly two years after the issue was tabled because of a storm of public outcry. At Tuesday's City Council meeting, Mayor Pro Tem Nancy Gardner asked that the city's Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission put fire rings on a future agenda. She cited a recent $500,000 claim against the city of Huntington Beach after a child was severely burned when he fell into a ring; read more about the claim here. "Before I get all kinds of angry emails," Gardner said, "I'm making no recommendation. There's a spectrum from doing what we do now to no fire pits." The Council agreed to ask the parks commission to study fire rings at a fixture meeting. Two years ago, the Clty Council discussed whether to ban fire rings because of concerns of pollution; read our story here. Almost immediately, fans of fire rings began to email Council members. A Facebook pave called "Save the Big Corona Fire Pits!" was formed and currently has 1,801 fans. By November 2009, Gardner asked that staff no longer make the fire ring ban a priority, saying that the passion on both sides was taking too much time when the city had budget concerns to address; read our story here. As of October 2009, there were 30 rings at Big Corona and 36 rings at the Balboa Pier. City officials did not immediately confirm whether that number has changed. The Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission's next meeting will take place at 6 p.m. Oct. 4. The agenda is not yet posted. From: Randy McPhillips [ mailto :loanmanagement @yahoo.com] Sent: Sunday, October 02, 20119:59 AM To: Gardner, Nancy; Detweiler, Laura Subject: We Support The Ban http: / /articles.dailypilot.com/ 2011- 10 -01/ news /tn -dpt- 1002- cdmtoday- 20111001 1 fire - r i n g s- p r o -te m- n a n cy -g a rd n e r -b a n -o n- single -use - p l a s t i c Do the right thing not the popular thing. These hazardous waste pits have had their day. Just the health hazards alone are reason enough to remove them. Smoking on airplanes used to be permitted too!!! Dr. Jack B. Larson 3024 Brentcers Drive Corona del Mai-, CA 926M Parks, Bonclles and Recreation Commission JAN,j'J C4 City Of Newport Bench 3300 Newport Blvd. Ncwporl Beach, CA 92663 Jouu ly 17, 2012. RE: hire Rings et Big Cocoon Bench Dear Parks, Benches and Recreation Commission, 'fills letter is to express illy support for file removnl of the fire flags at Big Corona Bench. The rings should be removed as they ace a potential larurd to bench -goers and a signiftcn It liability to the city without adding to the quality of life to residents or visitors. In fact file smoke and embers from the fire rings at Big Corona create toxic snnokc polluting the aide• both people and wildlife in the area. Il secnns beyond connprelteusion that the State of Coliforain requires automobile smog checks and discourages smoking cigarettes hl part clue to second hand sunoke bill allows the nmouut of smoke that cnnonates from the bench fire rings to go unabated. The toxic ash from the rings sprcnds to and Into nenrby homes, incladingmy residence on Breakers Drive, and ends up in the ocean after rain storms turning the ocean into tine city's ash -tray. Additionally, the fire rings polo risks for intiory and burns to small children that may be at tine beach which would be it tragedy and n significant liability to the city. Due to these significant problems I am urging the Parks Benches nud Recreation Comulissiou to remove the fire rings from Big Corona Beach to bcnofit the residents, visitors and our citvL•ohncmt. Regards, SIL Dr. Jock B. aarson - - - -- Original Message---- - From: shechiri @aol.com [mailto:shechiri @aol.com] Sent: Sunday, January 29, 2012 7:59 PM To: Recreation Subject: Beach Fire Ring Issues - Comments Dear Representative, I am unable to attend the meeting on February 7, 2012, and would like to provide a few comments regarding the beach fire rings at Big Corona Beach. I'm very pleased that the city is having a discussion on this subject. I have lived in Corona del Mar for more than 20 years and enjoy spending time at the beach. I live on Heliotrope in the 300 block, which is about two blocks from the beach. I walk on the beach almost every day for exercise and to enjoy this beautiful gift to us. However, I cannot walk on the beach at night or when people are burning fires in the fire rings. I believe the air near the half of the beach where the fire rings are located is dangerously toxic. It makes me cough, irritates my sinuses and makes my clothes stick. I suggest an air quality study be conducted to determine the pollution level of the smoke from the fire rings. I think the high toxins from the fire pits are very unhealthy and take away from the healthy environment of the beach and our lovely Corona del Mar. My vote would be to remove the fire rings immediately to make the beach a healthy place for everyone to enjoy! Thank you, Sheila Chiri 949 - 673 -3916 shechiri @aol.com From: Barbara Peters [mailto :barbaraannpeters @gmail.com] Sent: Wednesday, January 25, 2012 8:41 AM To: Nancy Gardner; Henn, Michael; Rosansky, Steven; Hill, Rush; Leslie Daigle; Curry, Keith; Dept - City Council Cc: Detweiler, Laura; Kiff, Dave Subject: Fire Rings at Big Corona Honorable Mayor and City Council, My neighbor sent the following email to me and asked that I forward it. Please consider his comments in any discussions about the Fire Rings at Big Corona. Thank you, Barbara Peters ---- - - - - -- Forwarded message --- - - - - -- From: <EricWelton(a)aol.com> Date: Tue, Jan 24, 2012 at 2:26 PM Subject: (no subject) To: barbaraAnnPetersagmail.com Dear Barbara I live a few hundred yards north of Big Corona and for over thirty five years I have been subjected to the noxious emanations that come from the smoke that is generated in the after dark beach fires. The smoke is not seen due to darkness but the effects linger on thereby prolonging the exposure inside our homes to toxic contaminants. Many of these fires use flamable materials that come from nearby construction sites or are dragged from the vehicles of party goers. Based on my personal observations, those materials include -but are not limited to; painted wood wooden pallets with chemical residue asphault shingles railroad ties that are coated with black tar scrap wood full of nails green tree wood cuttings plastic that is attached to wood cuttings rubber " " " " " BBQ coal residue that is saturated with starter fluid Wood /metal patio furniture parts purloined from neighbors plastic bottles trash from ugly dumpsters -(now more conveniently placed nearby) It is regrettable that previous city staff and elected officials have been conveniently indecisive about addressing this health hazard. Hopefully, current staff and council persons that are in a position to address the residents needs, (as opposed to those of evening beach visitors -most of whom live out of town) will be able to take a more courageous position this time around. It is noteworthy , as observed by someone who walks the beach daily, that the painting of walls, signs, steps, etc with fresh graffitti in the area concides with the fire ring activity. Some of us who suffer from breathing impairments might feel they have a cause of action for litigation against the City now that they have again been given notice about this dangerous condition. Feel free to forward the above to anyone of your choice. Barbara A. Peters barbaraAnnPeters(@,gmail.com (949) 230 -7409 cell From: Charles Farrell [mailto:CFarrell @65retire.com] Sent: Tuesday, January 24, 2012 4:39 PM To: Recreation Subject: Fire Pits Removal As a resident of the Newport Beach, I strongly support the removal of all fire pits on our ocean beaches for the following reasons: Impact on our health, air quality, crime, noise, and expense to taxpayers Charles F. Farrell President 6 Branch Office 23 Corporate Plaza Or Ste 150 Newport Beach, CA 92660 Corporate Headquarters 9870 Research Drive Irvine, CA 92618 p 1 -888- 657 -3847 p 1- 888 -65- RETIRE f 1- 888 - 369 -3647 c 949 - 887 -3187 cfarrell(o)65retire.com www.65retire.com From: Jack Meyers [mailto:jmeyers @me.com] Sent: Monday, January 30, 2012 11:33 AM To: Recreation Subject: Beach Fire Rings I have live at 3012 Ocean Blvd., just above the Big Corona Beach, for 10 years and find the beach fire rings to be detrimental to both our home and health. When fires are burning on the beach we constantly have smoke and black ash coming into our home and covering the exterior of our property. We now avoid going out and sitting on our patio do to the unpleasant smoke. We do not open our windows any longer so that we are not subjected to the pollutants in the air coming from the beach fire rings. I would clearly support the banning of all fires on the beach which would benefit the health and safety of the residents and those on the beach. It's frustrating to not be able to use your home and enjoy sitting outside due to the problems created by the smoke and pollutions. Sincerely, Jack L Meyers 3012 Ocean Blvd. Corona del Mar, CA From: Johnolwang @aol.com [mailto:Johnolwang @aol.com] Sent: Tuesday, January 31, 2012 4:42 PM To: Recreation Subject: fire rings I have lived on the peninsula since 1974 and every year the pollution from those rings gets worse. The onshore winds spew carsinogenic smoke across the whole peninsula. I do not want to take a good time away from anyone but lets face it, we live in a dense populated area down hear and it is just not healthy for anyone to breathe this pollution. I do not think taking away the fire rings is going to break city hall revenues, let alone the cost of EMT to be on burn patrol. You people in city hall need to stop the pollution or pitch a tent down hear and see for yourselves. From: Michael Hirschberg [mailto:mhirschb @uci.edu] Sent: Tuesday, January 31, 2012 3:25 PM To: Recreation Subject: save the beach fire rings As a Newport Beach native and UClrvine student, save the fire rings! It is one of the best attractions Orange County has to offer students and people alike. Many nights I have gone bbqing, guitaring, and chilling by these rings. If you get rid of these, what will kids and students do at night? It may help prevent the use of drugs and other bad things. Save the pits!!! A concerned resident, Michael From: Bob Cuyler [mailto:rfcuylerdds @aol.com] Sent: Wednesday, February 01, 2012 6:59 AM To: Recreation Subject: Pits The pits should stay ... one of the few traditions left. Why be so PC? Sent from my iPad From: McCarthy, Liam [mailto:liam.mccarthy @hiu.edu] Sent: Wednesday, February 01, 2012 12:38 AM To: Recreation Subject: Beach Fire Pits I am writing this letter in response to a campaign started by Council -women Nancy Gardner to remove city owned fire pits. I do not wish the fire pits to be removed because any potential "danger" the pits create is far less than that of even driving a car. There are greater safety issues I am sure the city could better spend its resources worrying about than the fire pits enjoyed by people all across California. Thank you for your time, Liam McCarthy From: Jamie Dow [mailto:jamiedow @gmail.com] Sent: Tuesday, January 31, 2012 10:10 PM To: Recreation Subject: Let the fire pits stay As a lifetime Newport Beach resident, who grew up on the peninsula and whose family still owns property there, I would like to request that the fire pits be allowed to remain on the beach. They are not dangerous (they're surrounded by two of the least flammable materials in the world, concrete and sand), they add to the character of the beach, and they are not expensive to maintain. Further, another of the reasons given for removing them, that they lead to beach curfew violations, does not make much sense - if the authorities are so concerned about beach curfew violations, wouldn't you rather have centralized and very visible violations than violations which are spread out in the dark along the whole beach? This city has been moving more towards an insular attitude catering solely to longtime residents and seemingly being hostile towards outsiders or tourists. And yet we, as a beach community, have much to gain from a tourist - friendly attitude. To close down these fire pits would just be another move towards this anti - everyone -else attitude that our city has been showing recently, which is folly. Our economy benefits from outside money, and my family gains significant income from renting our property on the peninsula. Acting to remove the fun from our city is not going to benefit us, and will not benefit the many others who rent, or local business owners who survive on tourism. In short, removing the fire pits does not make sense in any way. Do not move forward with this plan. Thank you. -Jamie Dow Newport Beach resident of 30 years From: David Gordon [ maiito :gordon.david.0l.dg @gmail.com] Sent: Tuesday, January 31, 2012 9:27 PM To: Recreation Subject: fire pits I really enjoy the fire pits. Taking them out would be very disappointing to the community I love. From: Alex Uzdavines [mailto:auzdavin @uci.edu] Sent: Tuesday, January 31, 2012 8:41 PM To: Gardner, Nancy; Curry, Keith; Selich, Edward; Daigle, Leslie; Hill, Rush; Rosansky, Steven; Henn, Michael Cc: Recreation Subject: Don't Close the Fire Rings Hello, As a UC Irvine student and employee I have enjoyed the firepits at Newport Beach beaches for years with a number of different student groups. Please do not close them. I believe you would be doing a disservice to both the residents of Newport Beach who use these pits and the many, many visitors that come to these beaches expressly for evening gatherings around a fire. Best, Alex Uzdavines M.A Student, Demographic and Social Analysis B.A Psychology and Social Behavior University of California, Irvine From: Lynn Fetter [mailto:lynnfetter @me.com] Sent: Tuesday, January 31, 2012 6:11 PM To: Recreation Subject: Fire rings Too much smoke too early in the day. Keep the rings, but put a time when they can fire them up.. 4pm at the earliest. Lynn Fetter Sent from my iPad From: Randy McPhillips [mailto :loanmanagement @yahoo.com] Sent: Wednesday, February 01, 2012 6:12 AM To: Detweiler, Laura; 'Gardner, Nancy' Subject: RE: We Support The Ban Although we no longer live downwind from these toxic pollution machines we still support the ban. We just moved to Laguna Beach. We spent two years on the Oceanfront near the Balboa Pier closing windows at night because we couldn't handle the smoke. Cars racing in and out of the B Street lot well after midnight, loud music, trash thrown all over the beach and lot all eventually ending up in the Ocean. I have personally spent hours walking on the beach and picking up Beer cans, plastic bags pizza boxes and ...well you get the idea. I have also placed dozens of complaint calls to NBPD late at night because I was unable to sleep. Check the Police logs. This area is also the HQ for Junior Guards. These children play and run all over the very same area that God knows what is getting burned at night. Take a stroll along any beach in Laguna that does not permit fires. THERE IS NO COMPARISON. Newport Beach looks like a garbage dump compared to Laguna Beach. The negative impression made on Tourists well exceeds the benefits of the very few who actually use them. These pits are the party grounds for local High School and College aged kids not Tourists staying in local Hotels. Don't kid yourself. Save the City a fortune and clean up the environment at the same time. From: Carbone, Linsey [mailto:lcarbone @tarbut.com] Sent: Wednesday, February 01, 2012 8:29 AM To: Recreation Subject: Fire Rings To Whom It May Concern, As a Newport Beach resident, I take great pride in our ability to use our beaches — and the fire rings are a huge part of that! Please keep them! Even if they incur additional cost, they more than make up for it with quality of life. Thank you, Linsey Carbone Director of Marketing & Communications 949- 509 -9500 ext. 3224 www.tarbut.com 'A'*, `i TARBUT YTORAH Community osy school Love Leeminy. uve VaWl . Discover Hv%l , e. From: SBuck89214 @aol.com [mailto:SBuck89214 @ aol.com] Sent: Wednesday, February 01, 2012 8:49 AM To: Recreation Subject: Fire Rings The fire rings are a source of much enjoyment to families and have been for years. Nothing in life comes without a safety concern. Perhaps we should ban anyone from going into the water, that would eliminate the thousands of water related incidents and deaths. Do net let a few bad apples ruin a great pleasure. I find it hard to believe that the smoke from the rings has that big an impact period. Steven Buck From: Bob Portale [mailto:BOBPORTALE @YAHOO.COM] Sent: Wednesday, February 01, 2012 9:09 AM To: Recreation Subject: FIRE RINGS A CORONA DEL MAR TRADITION!!!!! KEEP THE RINGS AT ALL COSTS!!I ....... BOB From: Dynamixl0 @aol.com (mailto:Dynamixl0 @ aol.com] Sent: Wednesday, February 01, 2012 1:13 PM To: Recreation Subject: Fire ring solutions Have people pull a permit Monday - Sunday and pay for their use to cover maintenance - 50.00. Pay an overpaid lifeguard supervisor to put out fires at night. Teresa Schmidt, Systems Consultant Audio Dynamix 1- 800 - 305 -8441 2770 S. Harbor Ste D Santa Ana, CA 92704 Fax: 714-549-0822 or 1-888-302-8441 www.audiodynamix.com From: Barbara Peters [ mailto :barbaraannpeters @gmail.com] Subject: Remove the Fire Rings at Big Corona Dear Members of the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission, Between Christmas and New Years day, I went to the funeral of my Breakers Drive Neighbor, who sadly died too soon from lung cancer. On January 5, 2012, I returned home with my family to Breakers Drive at about 8pm and we saw HUGE bonfires at the fire rings at Big Corona. The air was filled with thick black smoke as SUV after SUV arrived to throw more Christmas trees onto the bonfires. We see bonfires like this at the fire rings throughout the year. I've seen people burn entire bureaus, covered with paint or lacquered chemicals, and various forms of plastic trash. But even when they are burning clean wood, they are filling our air with toxic chemicals that are known to cause cancer. Please take a look at this link, www.agmd.aov /rules /doc /r445/ eneral faq.pdf, to learn why the AQMD has banned new indoor or outdoor wood burning devices, effective in our area as of November 2011. The EPA tells us: Wood smoke is 12 times more carcinogenic than equal amounts of tobacco smoke and attacks our body cells up to 40 times longer than tobacco smoke. We don't let people smoke a cigarette on the beach for health and safety reasons. How can we continue to allow the fire rings that generate enormous quantities of wood smoke, known to be far more dangerous to our health? My husband's mother also died during the holidays of respiratory distress. She suffered asthma attacks when she visited our home. Did you know that the tiny particles of wood smoke are so small that windows and doors cannot keep it out? "Inhaling wood smoke particulate matter increases the incidence, duration and severity of respiratory disease, striking hardest at children, the elderly and those with lung or heart disorders. The EPA warns that there is no safe level of these carcinogens ". (www.burnineissues.ore.endorsed by the National Safety Council) There was something painfully wrong to say goodbye at Christmas to a loved relative and a good neighbor, both of whom died from lung disease, and then to see people burning Christmas trees filling the air we all must breathe with carcinogenic smoke particles. The experts at the American Lung Association, the EPA, the SCAQMD, and many agencies around the world all agree: WE SHOULD ALL AVOID BREATHING BURNING WOOD! And they mean all year long, not just at Christmas. Please, do everything in your power to remove the fire rings from Big Corona. Thank you. Barbara A. Peters barbaraAnnPeters(c gmaiI.com (949) 230 -7409 cell Hello, As a long time resident of Corona del Mar, I strongly urge you to remove the beach Fire pits. I understand that historically they have provided family fun and barbeques. However, now, they attract gangs, crime, drugs and most importantly are a health hazard to local and non -local residents. In addition, the maintenance and cleaning is costly according to the maintenance people we have talked to over the years. They have also claimed that the particles used in the fire making and nails, injuries, etc is atrocious. The smoke in the air lingers daily and leaves soot and ash on homes, parks and cars. In addition, the air quality is affected. Please consider these items in your review. thank you very much, Tom and Jill Schriber From: Deborah Jeffs < d6effs (a2progressivebenefitmgrs.com> Date: Thu, Jan 26, 2012 at 5:57 PM Subject: Big Corona Fire Rings To: cocoh1(a)roadrunner.com, NPBTomCDyahoo.com, JMMarston Ca road runner.com, ronwcolenb(a)gmail.com, boxing77(Maol.com, phillip.lugar(CDsce.com, jack(cDbeachsports.org Dear Members of the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission of Newport Beach, My name is Deborah Jeffs, and I live at 417 Dahlia in Corona del Mar. I'm writing to you to add my voice to the residents who would like to see the Big Corona Fire Rings removed from our community to protect the health and safety of those who live here. As a professional in the health care insurance industry, I pay careful attention to health risks, such as the effects of breathing wood smoke. For my own sake, I don't want to breathe in the chemicals in smoke, and I'm also concerned with the costs to our health care system and the potential for diseases that studies show are connected to breathing the particles of wood smoke. Many agencies have determined that wood smoke is highly injurious to our health. According to the American Lung Association, "a growing number of published studies are associating wood smoke with asthma, other lung problems, and heart disease" (A Burning Issue: Scientists Take a Hard Look at Wood -Stove Emissions, May 14, 2010) They say that burning wood forms thousands of chemicals, including toxic and carcinogenic substances. The EPA tells us that there is no safe level of these carcinogens. The air quality specialists at the SQAMD have said that even limited exposure to smoke can be harmful to human health and they adopted Rule 445 to reduce wood burning. The experts seem to agree, wood smoke is as bad, or worse, than second -hand tobacco smoke. It only makes sense that cigarette smoking be banned in areas where others are forced to breathe second -hand smoke. Yet, those who live in our community are forced to breathe the toxic wood smoke. We can't escape it even if we close our windows. Corona del Mar is a residential neighborhood, and it should not be the location for bonfires where people freely burn all sorts of noxious trash and plastics, even beyond the health risks of burning wood. Newport Beach can make a decision to promote wellness and to protect its residents from the harmful health effects of smoke, soot, and ash that are directly created by the use of the fire rings at the beach. There is plenty of evidence to support your decision to remove these dangerous fire rings as soon as possible. Thank you. Deborah L. Jeffs PROGRESSIVE BENEFIT MANAGERS 3419 Via Lido, #306 Newport Beach, CA 92663 (949) 723 -1411 Fax (949) 723 -1429 DJeffs(a)oroo ressive benefitma rs. com Attention: City of Newport Beach Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission This letter is to urge you to remove the fire rings at Big Corona Beach. They are a fire hazard for those of us who live on Breakers Drive and nearby. On several occasions we have had burning embers blow onto the deck of our home. Smoke blowing into our hone has set off our smoke alarms. There is dry brush and native plants by Ocean Boulevard and the driving access ramp. Beach goers throw papers cups, wrappers, and trash and other fiammables in our yards and the plant areas. We and some of our neighbors do not leave our homes on July 41h and other days when the fire ring use is heavy for fear of our homes catching fire. The fire rings are a fire hazard. The situation Is a problem waiting to happen. Sincerely, 'i Marena Larson Breakers Drive Resident Daniel J. Leonard 3124 Breakers Drive Corona del Mar, Ca. 92625 January 26, 2012 Mr. Tom Anderson Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission City of Newport Beach 3300 Newport Blvd. Newport Beach, Ca. 92663 Dear Mr. Anderson: I am writing to you on behalf of the Breakers Drive Homeowners Association (BDHA) and all its members who reside on both Breakers Drive and on Ocean Blvd. The residents urge you to remove the fire rings from Corona del Mar State Park beach. Many residents have communicated with you and I include copies for your review. Some of the reasons the BDHA requests removal of the fire rings are: • A number of residents and family members contracted breathing disorders and lung diseases, some being fatal. • The fire rings can and have caused burn injuries to children. • The fire rings attract individuals who are involved in gang activities and their sole purpose is to cause trouble including fights requiring police response. • The BDHA residents suffer from dirty air, excessive ash, and soot and burn residue from the fires on the beach. This is often exacerbated by breezes off the ocean. The many letters attached address the health aspects of wood burning. It is just plain UNHEALTHY. Now is the time to clean our air, not only for local residents but also for all people enjoying the beaches. Please remove the fire rings. Daniel J. Leonard President cdm fire rings issue To Whom It Concerns: On behalf of my household on Breakers Drive, the "frontline ", I would like to express my concerns for the fire rings on Big Corona State Beach. My family has lived on this street for the last 3 to 4 decades and for me it has been the last six years. There are two major issues with having the fire rings here. First are the health problems they can cause. I am sure there is plenty evidence that wood smoke can create health concerns. It is clear how serious the smoke is when you awake the next morning and there is ash on your car along with the sand. Also having the front sliding glass doors open during warmer seasons create this same problem, but for our furniture. For instance my mother has to wipe down our counters and leather seating In the living room and kitchen from the ash. It is very clear that wherever the sand Is blown, ash Is blown as well in the same fashion. The point here is that we can prevent the continuation of the ash layer from entering our homes and our lungs. I am sure that if it is coating our cars, windows, and interior of our homes then it is certainly finding refuge In our respiratory system. This is year around and obviously increased dramatically In summer months, Secondly, the public safety is at risk. Our city and beaches attract thousands of visitors from all over Southern California and beyond. These fire rings allow an extension on their stay. Unlike normal beaches, having fire rings allow these visitors to stay into the dark hours. I cannot say crime is Increased, but It makes it easier when there is darkness to commit such acts. The correlation is that if we did not have fire rings, people would be far less likely to stay around the beach after sunset and therefore there is less possibility of crime. My goal here is to point out that unlike state parks and beaches, residents surround Big Corona. This means the fire rings have a direct impact on the daily lives of residents on Breakers Drive, Ocean Boulevard, and neighboring streets. Putting fire rings in state owned areas tend to have open land and no permanent guests, which makes the smoke concern of little importance. I would stress to all government entities involved in this discussion to understand and support the views of the local residents that live with the decision every day of the year. Sincerely, Justin Edson 3030 Breakers Drive Corona del Mar, CA 92625 949-375.1962 From: Charlotte Stephens <rostkop(c)gmail.com> Date: Mon, Jan 30, 2012 at 9:55 AM Subject: Big Corona Fire Rings To: cocoh1(o)road runner. com, NPBTom(a yahoo.com, JMMarston(caroad runner. com, ronwcolenb(@gmail.com, boxing 77(d,)aol.com, phillip.lugar(a)-sce.com, jack ()beachsports.org Dear Members of the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission, My name is Charlotte Stephens and I am the owner of 3014 Breakers Drive, Corona del Mar, Ca. My property is very close to the fire rings at Big Corona. I would like to see the fire rings removed. My granddaughter suffers from asthma. She is now a young mother herself, but when she was growing up, she would visit me often. We couldn't even enjoy a summer evening, as we would have to close all the doors and windows to try to keep the smoke out. Visiting her grandmother brought on painful asthma attacks, directly because of the smoke from the fire rings. Now, I know that closing the doors and windows was of no use because the particles of wood smoke are so tiny that they came through anyway. Waking up in the morning was hardest of all. As you may know, we often have a marine layer near the beach. The marine layer seemed to trap the smoke and smells of the fire rings and my next door neighbors said it would set off their smoke alarms. The smell in the morning, as we opened our deck doors, was horrible. The marine layer dampens the ashes, but the stench is horrible with all the soot and ash of things they shouldn't burn. We would see ash and soot on our decks, furniture, and roof. It would linger in our home and make us feel sick. So many experts and scientists around the world have provided proof that wood smoke increases the problems with asthma and lung disease and many other health problems, especially with children and elderly people. The EPA, the American Lung Association, and the AQMD all say breathing these carcinogenic particles is very bad for us. I know this is true, because my granddaughter suffered so much whenever she visited me. My granddaughter now has a child of her own, and I hope that you will remove these deadly fire rings so that my granddaughter will be able to come to my home without fear of being unable to breath, or fear for the health of her child. Thank you. Charlotte Stephens Tod and Peggie Parrott 3130 Breakers Drlve Corona del Mar, CA 92625 949- 673 -2$76 Peggieparrott(ftmail.com November 2, 2011 Newport Beach City Council Nancy Gardner, district six Mark Hannon, dir.of Municipal Operations 3300 Newport Blvd. Newport Beach, CA 92663 Dear City Council, I am writing to express my husband and my concern regarding the fire rings at the Corona del Mar State beach. As I grew up on Breakers Dr., I have seen many changes since 1953. Years ago the fire rings were populated by families roasting hotdogs and marshmallows. Today I'see a minimal use by families and a surge of young adults trying to leap over the roaring bonfires as a passage of manhood. The lawyers are already out to represent and benefit from the unfortunate ones as we see in Huntington Beach. Please consider removing these for the safety of our community We really appreciate your addressing this issue at this time. Warm regards, Peggie Parrott Dear Members of the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission, Between Christmas and New Years day I went to the funeral of my Breakers Drive neighbor who sadly died too soon from lung cancer. On January 5, 2012,1 returned home with my family to Breakers Drive at about 8pm and we saw HUGE bonfires at the fire rings at Big Corona. The air was filled with thick, black smoke as SUV after SUV arrived to throw more Christmas trees onto the bonfires. We see bonfires like this at the fire rings throughout the year. I've seen people burn entire bureaus, covered with paint or lacquered chemicals, and various forms of plastic trash. But even when they are burning clean wood, they are filling our air with toxic chemicals that are known to cause cancer. Please take a look at this link, www.aantd.nov /rules /doc /r445Leneral fao.odF, to learn whythe AQMD has banned new Indoor or outdoor wood burning devices, effective in our area as of November 2011. The EPA tells us: Wood smoke is 12 times more carcinogenic than equal amounts of tobacco smoke and attacks our body cells up to 40 times longer than tobacco smoke. We don't let people smoke a cigarette on the beach for health and safety reasons. How can we continue to allow the fire rings that generate enormous quantities of wood smoke, known to be far more dangerous to our health? My husband's mother also died during the holidays of respiratory distress. She suffered asthma attacks when she visited our home. Did you know that the tiny particles of wood smoke are so small that windows and doors cannot keep It out? "Inhaling wood smoke particulate matter Increases the Incidence, duration and severity of respiratory disease, striking hardest at children, the elderly and those with lung or heart disorders. The EPA warns that there Is no safe level of these carcinogens ". (www.burninP,issues.org, endorsed by the National Safety Council) There was something painfully wrong to say goodbye at Christmas to a loved relative and a good neighbor, both of whom died from lung disease, and then to see people burning Christmas trees filling the air we all must breathe with carcinogenic smoke particles. The experts at the American Lung Association, the EPA, the SCAQMD, and many agencies around the world all agree: WE SHOULD ALL AVOID BREATHING BURNING WOODI And they mean all year long, not Just at Christmas. Please, do everything in your power to remove the flre rings from Big Corona. Thank you. ADDITIONAL CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED RELATED TO ITEM 61B FIRE RINGS RECEIVED AFTER 2l8 EMAIL From: Mary Roosevelt [mailto:maroos @att.net] Sent: Thursday, February 09, 2012 10:20 AM To: Recreation; info @cdmra.org Subject: Fire Ring Comments I do not live on Ocean Blvd, so I am not directly affected by the fire rings. I have enjoyed using them, and I think that they do contribute to the attraction of our beaches. Recent rules have stopped folks from using barbecues, and this is a great improvement. I would like to keep the fire rings, but I do sympathize with those impacted by their use. Mary Roosevelt From: Doug Pasquale [mailto:dougpasquale @capstone- corp.com] Sent: Wednesday, February 08, 2012 4:46 PM To: Recreation Cc: Recreation Subject: FW: Fire rings While I was unable to attend the Parks, Beaches & Recreations meeting last evening this is a topic in which I have great interest. My family has lived on Balboa Peninsula for about three years and the smoke is not only extremely unhealthy, and I know there is strong evidence to support the health implications, but it also negatively impacts the quality of life for the local residents, others taking advantage of our lovely beaches, enjoying the pier, and supporting our city by using local restaurants and shops. It is not difficult to appreciate that people enjoy building fires on the beach. However, these people's exposure to the harmful smoke is limited and they can position themselves around the fire such that they avert the harmful and foul smelling smoke. Others living and visiting the area can't extricate themselves from the smoke. Although individuals in favor of the fire rings likely invoke the fun and memories of their experience to support keeping the fire rings, so might others recall the joy of riding a bike without a helmet or shooting dangerous explosive fireworks on the 4th of july. Others like to smoke cigarettes and cigars and would be indifferent to the harmful effects of second hand smoke it there weren't laws that protected those who would otherwise be unappreciative recipients of others' harmful actions. As societies gain wisdom, certain customs and activities have to change in tandem with increased knowledge. Aside from the political pressure from what I wouldn't be surprised is a vocal minority, removing the fire rings should be an easy decision. We pay you and elect our leaders to make the right decisions. It is time to eliminate the fire rings. From: bjjohnson55337 @juno.com [ mailto:bjjohnson55337 @juno.com] Sent: Friday, February 10, 2012 10:35 AM To: PB &R Commission Subject: Fire Rings at Beaches I read with interest an article posted February 5, 2012 entitled, "Fire Rings Stir Passion, Divide Community," sent to me by a friend. I recently visited Manhattan Beach in Los Angeles and feel I must respond to the article. After the sun set, we walked into a lovely restaurant called "Mama D's" and had a wonderful dinner. But, when we exited the restaurant we were surprised by all the smoke in the area. We wanted to walk around the lovely town and sight see, but we just couldn't tolerate the smoke and so cut our visit short. I don't know if there are fire rings on the beach there, but there were, I noted, many homes with chimneys. I really don't know where the smoke was coming from, but I am very aware of the dangers of wood smoke and I am concerned about how it is the "unrecognized and unacknowledged" pollutant in our communities - including mine. One person in the article actually said that the fire rings attract tourists. This tourist would like to stand on the beach and enjoy the fresh sea air - something we don't get in Minnesota. Knowing how dangerous wood smoke is to humans and animals alike, and to our environment, this tourist chose to leave the area. We didn't linger to have a drink in one of the outdoor bars or an ice cream for dessert. This tourist didn't spend any more money and this tourist will warn her friends about the area. hope, ultimately, your decision will prohibit these rings on beaches and that homeowners will be encouraged to change -out their wood burning fireplaces to gas. When air pollution is reduced, lives are saved. Good luck at your upcoming meeting! Feel free to use my email at your meeting, if you think it will add to the discourse. Barbara Johnson Burnsville, MN THE FOLLOWING CORRESPONDENCE WAS RECEIVED BY FED EX ON 2/14112 RELATED TO ITEM 6B FIRE RINGS Daniel J. Leonard 3124 Breakers Drive Corona del Mar, Ca. 92625 January 26, 2012 Mr. Jack Tingley Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission City of Newport Beach 3300 Newport Blvd. Newport Beach, Ca. 92663 Dear Mr. Tingley: I am writing to you on behalf of the Breakers Drive Homeowners Association (BDHA) and all its members who reside on both Breakers Drive and on Ocean Blvd. The residents urge you to remove the fire rings from Corona del Mar State Park beach. Many residents have communicated with you and I include copies for your review. Some of the reasons the BDHA requests removal of the fire rings are: • A number of residents and family members contracted breathing disorders and lung diseases, some being fatal. • The fire rings can and have caused bum injuries to children. • The fire rings attract individuals who are involved in gang activities and their sole purpose is to cause trouble including fights requiring police response. • The BDHA residents suffer from dirty air, excessive ash, and soot and bum residue from the fires on the beach. This is often exacerbated by breezes off the ocean. The many letters attached address the health aspects of wood burning. It is just plain UNHEALTHY. Now is the time to clean our air, not only for local residents but also for all people enjoying the beaches. Please remove the fire r' Daniel J. Leonard President cdm fire rings issue Attention: City of Newport Beach Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission This letter is to urge you to remove the fire rings at Big Corona Beach. They are a fire hazard for those of us who live on Breakers Drive and nearby. On several occasions we have had burning embers blow onto the deck of our home. Smoke blowing into our home has set off our smoke alarms. There is dry brush and native plants by Ocean Boulevard and the driving access ramp. Beach goers throw papers cups, wrappers, and trash and other flammables in our yards and the plant areas. We and some of our neighbors do not leave our homes on July 4th and other days when the fire ring use is heavy for fear of our homes catching fire. The fire rings are a fire hazard. The situation is a problem waiting to happen. Sincerely, Marena Larson Breakers Drive Resident _ -L Dear Members of the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission, Between Christmas and New Years day I went to the funeral of my Breakers Drive neighbor who sadly died too soon from lung cancer. On January 5, 2012,1 returned home with my family to Breakers Drive at about 8pm and we saw HUGE bonfires at the fire rings at Big Corona. The air was filled with thick, black smoke as SUV after SUV arrived to throw more Christmas trees onto the bonfires. We see bonfires like this at the fire rings throughout the year. I've seen people burn entire bureaus, covered with paint or lacquered chemicals, and various forms of plastic trash. But even when they are burning clean wood, they are filling our air with toxic chemicals that are known to cause cancer. Please take a look at this link, www:agnx!.goyDules /L1L)q 445/1 eneral fac�clf, to learn why the AQMD has banned new indoor or outdoor wood burning devices, effective in our area as of November 2011. The EPA tells us: Wood smoke is 12 times more carcinogenic than equal amounts of tobacco smoke and attacks our body cells up to 40 times longer than tobacco smoke. We don't let people smoke a cigarette on the beach for health and safety reasons. How can we continue to allow the fire rings that generate enormous quantities of wood smoke, known to be far more dangerous to our health? My husband's mother also died during the holidays of respiratory distress. She suffered asthma attacks when she visited our home. Did you know that the tiny particles of wood smoke are so small that windows and doors cannot keep it out? "Inhaling wood smoke particulate matter increases the incidence, duration and severity of respiratory disease, striking hardest at children, the elderly and those with lung or heart disorders. The EPA warns that there is no safe level of these carcinogens ". (www.burnin�g, endorsed by the National Safety Council) There was something painfully wrong to say goodbye at Christmas to a loved relative and a good neighbor, both of whom died from lung disease, and then to see people burning Christmas trees filling the air we all must breathe with carcinogenic smoke particles. The experts at the American Lung Association, the EPA, the SCAQMD, and many agencies around the world all agree: WE SHOULD ALL AVOID BREATHING BURNING WOOD! And they mean all year long, not just at Christmas. Please, do everything in your power to remove the fire rings from Big Corona. Thank you. Dear Members of the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission, My name is Charlotte Stephens and I am the owner of 3014 Breakers Drive, Corona del Mar, Ca. My property is very close to the fire rings at Big Corona. I would like to see the fire rings removed. My granddaughter suffers from asthma. She is now a young mother herself, but when she was growing up, she would visit me often. We couldn't even enjoy a summer evening, as we would have to close all the doors and windows to try to keep the smoke out. Visiting her grandmother brought on painful asthma attacks, directly because of the smoke from the fire rings. Now, I know that closing the doors and windows was of no use because the particles of wood smoke are so tiny that they came through anyway. Waking up in the morning was hardest of all. As you may know, we often have a marine layer near the beach. The marine layer seemed to trap the smoke and smells of the fire rings and my next door neighbors said it would set off their smoke alarms. The smell in the morning, as we opened our deck doors, was horrible. The marine layer dampens the ashes, but the stench is horrible with all the soot and ash of things they shouldn't burn. We would see ash and soot on our decks, furniture, and roof. It would linger in our home and make us feel sick. So many experts and scientists around the world have provided proof that wood smoke increases the problems with asthma and lung disease and many other health problems, especially with children and elderly people. The EPA, the American Lung Association, and the AQMD all say breathing these carcinogenic particles is very bad for us. I know this is true, because my granddaughter suffered so much whenever she visited me. My granddaughter now has a child of her own, and I hope that you will remove these deadly fire rings so that my granddaughter will be able to come to my home without fear of being unable to breath, or fear for the health of her child. Thank you. Charlotte Stephens Dr. Jack B. Lawson 3024 Breakers Drive Corona del Mar, CA 92625 Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission City Of Newport Beach 3300 Newport Blvd. Newport Beach, CA 92663 January 17, 2012 RE: Fire Rings at Big Corona Beach Dear Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission, This letter is to express my support for the removal of i<heffloodings W Big Corona:Beach. The rings should be removed as they are a potential hazard to beach -goers and a significant liability to the city without adding to the quality of life to residents or visitors. In fact the smoke and embers from the fire rings at Big Corona create toxic smoke polluting the air for both people and wildlife in the area. It seems beyond comprehension that the State of California requires automobile smog checks and discourages smoking cigarettes in part due to second hand smoke but allows the amount of smoke that emanates from the beach fire rings to go unabated. The toxic ash from the rings spreads to and into nearby homes, including my residence on Breakers Drive, and ends up in the ocean after rain storms tuning the ocean into the city's ash -tray. Additionally, the fire rings pose risks for injury and buns to small children that may be at the beach which would be a tragedy and a significant liability to the city. Due to these significant problems I am urging the Parks Beaches and Recreation Commission to remove the fire rings from Big Corona Beach to benefit the residents, visitors and our environment. Regards, Dr. Jack B. Larson Tod and Peggie Parrott 3130 Breakers Drive Corona del Mar, CA 92625 949- 673 -2876 Peggieparrott@ginail.com November 2, 2011 Newport Beach City Council Nancy Gardner, district six Mark Harmon, dir.of Municipal Operations 3300 Newport Blvd. Newport Beach, CA 92663 Dear City Council, I am writing to express my husband and my concern regarding the fire rings at the Corona del Mar State beach. As I grew up on Breakers Dr., I have seen many changes since 1953. Years ago the fire rings were populated by families roasting hotdogs and marshmallows. Today Isee a minimal use by families and a surge of young adults trying to leap over the roaring bonfires as a passage of manhood. The lawyers are already out to represent and benefit from the unfortunate ones as we see in Huntington Beach. Please consider removing these for the safety of out community. We really appreciate your addressing this issue at this time. Warm regards, Peggie Parrott To Whom It Concerns: On behalf of my household on Breakers Drive, the "frontline ", I would like to express my concerns for the fire rings on Big Corona State Beach. My family has lived on this street for the last 3 to 4 decades and for me it has been the last six years. There are two major issues with having the fire rings here. First are the health problems they can cause. I am sure there is plenty evidence that wood smoke can create health concerns. It is clear how serious the smoke is when you awake the next morning and there is ash on your car along with the sand. Also having the front sliding glass doors open during warmer seasons create this same problem, but for our furniture. For instance my mother has to wipe down our counters and leather seating in the living room and kitchen from the ash. It is very clear that wherever the sand is blown, ash is blown as well in the same fashion. The point here is that we can prevent the continuation of the ash layer from entering our homes and our lungs. I am sure that if it is coating our cars, windows, and interior of our homes then it is certainly finding refuge in our respiratory system. This is year around and obviously increased dramatically in summer months. Secondly, the public safety is at risk. Our city and beaches attract thousands of visitors from all over Southern California and beyond. These fire rings allow an extension on their stay. Unlike normal beaches, having fire rings allow these visitors to stay into the dark hours. I cannot say crime is increased, but it makes it easier when there is darkness to commit such acts. The correlation is that if we did not have fire rings, people would be far less likely to stay around the beach after sunset and therefore there is less possibility of crime. My goal here is to point out that unlike state parks and beaches, residents surround Big Corona. This means the fire rings have a direct impact on the daily lives of residents on Breakers Drive, Ocean Boulevard, and neighboring streets. Putting fire rings in state owned areas tend to have open land and no permanent guests, which makes the smoke concern of little importance. l would stress to all government entities involved in this discussion to understand and support the views of the local residents that live with the decision every day of the year. Sincerely, Justin Edson 3030 Breakers Drive Corona del Mar, CA 92625 949 - 375-1862 THE FOLLOWING CORRESPONDENCE WAS RECEIVED: From: Julie Mellum [mai Ito: mellumJulie @gmail.com] Sent: Sunday, March 04, 2012 6:03 PM To: PB &R Commission Cc: bijohnson55337 @iuno.com Subject: outdoor fire rings on the beaches Dear Public Officials, Before the smoking bans, people at least had a choice not to patronize smoking establishments. But on the beaches, in public spaces, and even on our own properties, there is increasingly no choice. it is an atrocity to allow wood burning with its profusion of wood smoke that can cause premature death in people of all ages. Children and anyone with asthma or other breathing or heart disorders are among the most vulnerable. It also violates the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which requires cities to remove all "barriers" to the access and use of public spaces. To those with breathing disorders and other disabilities, wood smoke presents an actual physical barrier. The decision to disallow outdoor burning on the beaches should be a no- brainer. Julie Mellum Founder, Take Back the Air info(a)ta kebacktheair.com www.takebacktheair.com From: Mark D. Simon [ mailto :markdsimon @roadrunner.com] Sent: Monday, March 05, 2012 5:13 PM To: Rosansky, Steven; Henn, Michael; Hill, Rush; Daigle, Leslie; Selich, Edward; Gardner, Nancy; Curry, Keith Cc: Craig, Teri Subject: Fire Pits Dear City Council Members, We respectfully request that you reject the recommendation of the Parks, Beaches, and Recreation Commission to remove the Fire Rings at Big Corona Beach. The Fire Rings have been a part of this Beach community and many Family's memories for the last 60 years. I dare say that all of the folks that voiced their opinion against the Fire Rings knew full well they were there at the Beach when the bought or leased their affected properties. My Family has had many birthday parties at the Fire Rings. We have participated in the Boys Scouts Annual Cook Out at the Fire Rings with Troop 90 for many years and prior to that, with Cub Scout Pack 330 . The Fire Rings are part of the charm of this Beach community and a resource for the entire City. They certainly should not be removed at the request of the 20 people who live closest to them, because they don't like the smoke and the people that come to use them any more. We intend to pursue this matter with the Coastal Commission and look forward to your up coming review of this issue. Thank You, Walk & Su V(949) 872 - 8322 2420 First Avenue Corona del Mar, CA 92625 Brown, Leilani From: Kiff, Dave Sent: Wednesday, March 07, 2012 9:36 AM To: Brown, Leilani Cc: Detweiler, Laura Subject: FW: Please Remove the Fire Rings For the record From: Charlotte Stephens fmailto:rostkopCalgmail . coml Sent: Wednesday, March 07, 2012 9:18 AM To: Gard nerncy(o)aol.com; Henn, Michael; Rosansky, Steven; Hill, Rush; IesliedaigleCd)aol.com; Curry, Keith; Selich, Edward; Dept - City Council Cc: Kiff, Dave Subject: Please Remove the Fire Rings Dear Mayor and City Council Members of Newport Beach, My name is Charlotte Stephens and I am the owner of 3014 Breakers Drive, Corona del Mar, Ca. My property is very close to the fire rings at Big Corona. I would like to see the fire rings removed. My granddaughter suffers from asthma. She is now a young mother herself, but when she was growing up, she would visit me often. We couldn't even enjoy a summer evening, as we would have to close all the doors and windows to try to keep the smoke out. Visiting her grandmother brought on painful asthma attacks, directly because of the smoke from the fire rings. Now, I know that closing the doors and windows was of no use because the particles of wood smoke are so tiny that they came through anyway. Waking up in the morning was hardest of all. As you may know, we often have a marine layer near the beach. The marine layer seemed to trap the smoke and smells of the fire rings and my next door neighbors said it would set off their smoke alarms. The smell in the morning, as we opened our deck doors, was horrible. The marine layer dampens the ashes, but the stench is horrible with all the soot and ash of things they shouldn't burn. We would see ash and soot on our decks, furniture, and roof. It would linger in our home and make us feel sick. So many experts and scientists around the world have provided proof that wood smoke increases the problems with asthma and lung disease and many other health problems, especially with children and elderly people. The EPA, the American Lung Association, and the AQMD all say breathing these carcinogenic particles is very bad for us. I know this is true, because my granddaughter suffered so much whenever she visited me. My granddaughter now has a child of her own, and I hope that you will remove these deadly fire rings so that my granddaughter will be able to come to my home without fear of being unable to breath, or fear for the health of her child. Thank you. Charlotte Stephens Charlotte Stephens Brown, Leilani From: Kiff, Dave Sent: Thursday, March 08, 2012 8:59 AM To: Brown, Leilani Subject: FW: The Case Against the Fire Rings Attachments: Fire rings Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Councill.pdf For the record. From: Barbara Peters lmailto:barbaraannpetersCilgmail com] Sent: Wednesday, March 07, 2012 4:52 PM To: Gardner, Nancy Subject: The Case Against the Fire Rings Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council, I wrote to you several months ago about the smoke from the fire rings at Big Corona, telling you about the burning of Christmas trees and the deaths of my neighbor from lung cancer and my mother -in -law from respiratory distress. Because of that letter, I've been contacted by a network of groups in other states seeking to address the health risks of wood smoke. It's amazing how many people are working to inform decision makers of the research that clearly shows that wood smoke is as serious a public health threat as tobacco smoke. It seems well known and accepted that even short term exposure to particles of wood smoke can trigger asthma attacks, acute bronchitis and heart attacks. New studies show even more. For example, two recent studies led by UC Berkeley spotlight the human health effects of exposure to wood smoke from open fires. Dr. Kirk Smith, Professor of Global Environmental Health, puts reducing wood smoke exposure on par with vaccinations for reducing severe pneumonia. In another study published September 24, 2011 in the journal of NeuroToxicology, results found a link between exposure to wood smoke and reduced cognitive ability.f 1 j In some states, like Minnesota, they have found a strong argument in property rights, saying that it is the right of any property owner to breathe clean air on the property they are taxed for. Elsewhere, such as in New York, they have argued that wood smoke is akin to trespassing with chemicals. There is also a focus on accessibility requirements that mandate cities to remove barriers to public access to public places and events. Wood smoke is a barrier to those who suffer from respiratory disabilities as shown in the City of Mallard, Iowa, where the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was successfully employed and a US District Court judge handed down a precedent setting case by ordering a burning ban. F21 Here, in Newport Beach and at Big Corona, we would like the beach to be for all people, not just for those who want to burn. We know so much more now than we did over half a century ago when these rings were placed here. It is time to take them out. Thank you Barbara Peters Ll http://cleancookstoves.org/ media - coverage /woodsmoke- from - cooking- fires - linked -to- pneumonia- cognitive- im acts u http:// burningissues .ora /lukebiomass.htmI Barbara A. Peters barbaraAnnPeters(cD pm ail .com (949) 230 -7409 cell ATTACHMENT 91 CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Regular Meeting February 7, 2012 — 6pm 1) CALL MEETING TO ORDER 6: oipm 2) ROLL CALL Present: Phil Lugar, Chair Kathy Hamilton, Vice Chair Tom Anderson Ron Cole Roy Englebrecht Marie Marston Jack Tingley Staff: Laura Detweiler, Recreation & Senior Services Director Mark Harmon, Municipal Operations Director Teri Craig, Admin Assistant * ** EXCERPT OF DRAFT MINUTES * ** 6) CURRENT BUSINESS B. Beach Fire Rings Discussion of Issues and Solutions Director Detweiler provided a PowerPoint presentation addressing the number of existing fire rings at various beaches, maintenance practices, concerns relative to health impacts to nearby residents and beachgoers, safety and direction by the City Council to the Commission. She addressed possible options for solutions. Director Detweiler addressed results of research done of local area beaches and applicable city regulations, including camping areas and homes adjacent to the areas. Discussion ensued regarding distance between fire rings and residential areas. In addition she reported on the distribution of notices regarding the item and correspondence received in response. Commissioner Englebrecht commended Director Detweiler and staff for the work performed on this item. Chair Luear opened the Public Discussion Jaime Starr opined Balboa Pier and Corona del Mar should be considered separately. She noted that Balboa Pier is a commercial zone designed to handle large groups of people; while Corona del Mar is a residential neighborhood. She expressed concerns with child safety issues noting that the beach is usually not cleared until lo:3opm in summer. Ms. Starr stated that the police should start clearing the beach by 9:3opm. Ms. Starr recommended that State Beach be closed at dusk and added that 95% of the people using Big Corona are non - residents and that they do not bring income to Newport Beach. She offered other solutions such as reducing the number of fire rings to one row or possibly relocating them to Newport Pier or Crystal Cove. Charles Farrell stated the black smoke from the fires can be seen from long distances, police activity occurs most every night, megaphones can be heard telling people to go home, and there is foul air and dirty soot. He opined the fire rings are an eye sore and that clean -up can be seen and heard early in the morning. He stated he could not live without his air purifier and believed it is not safe to breathe. Mr. Farrell requested that the fire rings be removed stating that the negatives outweigh the positives. Karen James expressed concerns with toxic fumes and debris and requested removal of the fire rings. Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission February 7, 2012 Page 2 Frank Peters thanked staff for the "balanced" report, noting that his teenagers do not want the fire rings removed, but expressed concerns with the air quality and that the cost is too high. Barb Burkhart agreed with previous speakers and noted that her windows must be kept closed at night and complained that the black, greasy soot on her furniture is caused by the smoke from the fire rings. Joan Coleman also complained of the greasy film on her windows and furniture, expressed concerns regarding the air quality and requested removal of the fire rings. Barbara Peters noted that although many love the fire rings, breathing wood smoke is hazardous. She reported that many people have burned furniture, plastic, Christmas trees and pallets into the rings; some of which contain methyl bromide. She asked the Commission to protect the public from toxic air and make an ethical decision and remove all of the fire rings. Jim Kaminsky reported living far enough from the fire rings that on most days he can't smell the fires. He commented that he is a retired police officer and at one time was the area commander for Corona del Mar and noted that there are many good people that use the fire rings but bad ones as well. He stated arrests have varied from narcotics, lewd conduct to having glass on the beach. Mr. Kaminsky noted that after ropm, people remaining on the beach are in violation of the Municipal Code. And, although the police do a great job, priority calls can occur and that they may be unable to close the beach right away. In addition, he reported the City does a great job cleaning the beaches. Jack Larson expressed concerns regarding health hazards and noted he has experienced burning embers on his patio, acknowledged getting people off the beach is quite difficult but asked the Commission to consider removing the fire rings. Lisa Vallejo stated that she believes the rings are a health hazard, noting that Orange County has the highest cancer rate and spoke in support of removing the fire rings and suggested that the City consider hiring a lobbyist to support the issue or removal. Dan Purcell stated he cannot open his windows, as they are inundated by smoke almost every day. He reported that he enjoys nature, but that the smoke makes it difficult and spoke against the temporary amusement of some ruining the lives of many. Wes Hatfield spoke in support of removing the fire rings and reported many of his neighbors have been diagnosed with lung cancer. John Zepfel reported a greasy film and debris at his home 365 days a year and people staying on the beach after ropm. He urged the Commission remove the fire rings noting the City could possibly face a litigation problem in the future because of them. Lauren Jans re- iterated the problems caused by the fire rings and noted the negatives far outweigh the positives. He urged the Commission to consider their removal. Mary Pinnere reported that the'prevailing wind blows towards the Cove and expressed concerns with plastics and other toxic chemicals emitted from the fire rings. Justin Edson reported that his house is constantly covered in sand and ash and expressed concerns with health issues noting that he was recently diagnosed with cancer and although he has never smoked, his oncologist kept asking if be did. Roger McKennon stated he agreed with all the comments made and asked the Commission to accept the fact that the fire rings are a hazard and that they should be removed. Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission February 7, 2012 Page 3 Harold Parker agreed with all the comments made noting that when he was younger, smoking was not considered hazardous. He opined that the Commission has a responsibility to the public to keep it safe and remove the fire rings. John Hamilton noted that after talking with the AQMD, if you can smell it, it is toxic. He stated he smells the smoke all year long and that no one has the right to subject people to that when it has been proven to be hazardous. He asked the Commission not to compromise and remove the fire rings. Chair Lugar closed the Public Discussion Commissioner Englebrecht commented on the financial impacts of removing the fire rings from Big Corona, the area being a beach community, building family memories and finding ways to find solutions. He stated that that the problems are not the rings, but the burning of wood and the related smoke. He recommended that the City consider making the fire rings all natural gas and allowed to be reserved by the public with a related fee. In reply to an inquiry from the Commission, Assistant Fire Chief Rob Williams reported staff is there every day until an hour past sunset /dusk. He noted that they are not there for enforcement but are there for safety. He reported situations change daily relative to fights and disagreements dependent on the time of year noting that staff is there everyday until one hour past dusk and during the summer months until 9pm. He reported that there have been four incidents of burns with paramedics being called within the last two summers. Police Sergeant Spencer Arnold noted it is difficult to capture data specifically to fire rings but noted that calls are driven by the time of year and time of evening. He expressed that there are challenges with getting people to leave the beach but cannot start initiating that people leave until ropm. He referenced priorities of calls and reported there have been more than ro arrests within the last couple of seasons. Commissioner Englebrecht asked about the possibility of placing a unit at the beach to announce and enforce closure of the beach but noted that there is probably no budget at this time. Sergeant Arnold reported that there is an assigned beat officer responsible for specific areas of the beach, but dependent the types of calls for service, that officer could be assigned somewhere else. In reply to Commissioner Anderson discussion continued on how the beach is closed, closure of the gate to prevent others from entering and the time it takes for people to pack up and leave. Also regarding the number of years the fire rings have existed and the number of homes close to the area. Commissioner Hamilton commented on the number of people that visited Big Corona last year; related revenues, night swimmers, number of burns and injuries related to the fire rings. She reported that over one weekend, last summer, the Grossman Burn Center had seven emergencies and five were related to fire rings. Ensuing discussion pertained to health and safety issues and hazard enforcement issues, the need for change, health issues from burning wood, and the impracticality of installing natural gas. Motion by Commissioner Cole that the PB &R Commission forward their recommendation to the City Council to eliminate all fire rings. - Motion carried by the following vote: Ayes: Cole, Hamilton, Lugar, Tingley Noes: Anderson, Englebrecht, Marston ** *END OF EXCERPT OF DRAFT MINUTI'ES * ** "RECEIVE j3AFTER AGEN10A Independent Report — Bic1 Corona Fire Rings D' February 20, 2012 TO: City of Newport Beach, Newport Beach City Council TITLE: Big Corona State Beach Fire Rings — Discussion of Issues and Solutions COMPILED BY: Jamie Starr and Associates. RECOMMENDATION: The City Council discuss solutions related to the beach fire rings and take decided action. OVERALL ASSESSMENT: That the fire rings at Big Corona State Beach have become a public nuisance, liability to the city for injury and personal damages, magnet for criminal activities, health and safety concerns for the general public and nearby residents using or in the vicinity of the fire ring smoke, and a large expense to the city in terms of police, lifeguard and maintenance services. A multi -range course of action and enforcement is required to resolve this situation for the benefit of the community and public safety. Just like Yosemite National Park had to end the popular "Firefall" attraction in the 1980's due to safety hazards and environmental issues, it is time for an end solution to the fire rings at Big Corona. Just as millions of people still enjoy Yosemite Park without the Firefall, millions of people will continue to enjoy Big Corona beach without fire rings. Further determination needs to be explored as to whether any sautipn actually falls under Coastal Commission control. A solution using City -`.,'r T Ordinance, City fire ring maintenance funding capabilities, or inclusion'df`jhP�, State Park system maybe preferable to attempting to educate the Co 79"1 Commission on all the issues surrounding this subject. SOLUTION OPTIONS: = o Please note the first three options involve both a removal and /or reduction of fire rings AND closing the beach at sunset. Keep in mind that during the summer this means closing the beach at approximately 8:30 PM instead of 10 PM. A slightly earlier closing time would have minimal impact on beach or fire rings users, but most people will have exited the beach and surrounding neighborhoods by dark. Winter closing would be substantially earlier, with a corresponding saving on staffing costs, while still limiting impact on beach users. Remove all the fire rings and close the beach at sunset. This solves the issues of smoke, potential burn injury, reduces late night M rn C Independent Report — Big Corona Fire Rings crowds and potential crimes, and considerably reduces City costs of lifeguard, police and maintenance staffing. There is established State Park precedent for closing State beaches at sunset. This option has the greatest impact on all beach users, but primarily on non - resident summer and winter weekend users of the fire rings. 2. Leave all the fire rings and close the beach at sunset. People can still have day and evening use of the fire rings and the late evening impact to the neighborhood is reduced. Summertime beach closing would change from 10 PM to approximately 8:30 PM, with winter closing ranging from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM. This solution may avoid Coastal Commission entanglement and can be accomplished with an ordinance modification. It does not reduce city maintenance costs. A 1 to 4 hour reduction in lifeguard and police manpower should be possible. 3. Reduce the fire rings to one row of 10 and close the beach at sunset. This compromise solution allows some retention of fire rings (reduction from 27 to 10) while providing a reduced smoke and toxic impact on downwind residents. Closing the beach retains the above stated benefits to the city and surrounding neighborhood. 3. Reduce the fire rings to 10 and limit the people at each ring to 20. This still allows up to 200 people on the beach until after 10 PM at night, but would be a substantial reduction in numbers from the current situation where as many as 1,000 people are exiting the beach in the dark. This solution would require additional on -site enforcement action, possibly a reservation system whereby large groups would need to reserve multiple fire rings or possibly need to obtain special use permits similar to when a large group uses a city park. The city would see some savings in reduced maintenance costs. Lifeguard and police staffing would remain the same. Implementation of a FEE BASED USE could offset the costs of management. 4. Relocate the fire rings to Crystal Cove or Newport Pier. This option would require the cooperation of the Crystal Cove Park, which is not utilized after sunset, and yet has ample parking and locations where smoke and crowd impact would be minimal as there are no nearby residential areas. Crystal Cove has THREE MILES of virtually unused beach, because the State Park system refuses to expand parking. Expansion of public access to Crystal Cove would reduce impact on the Corona del Mar neighborhoods surrounding Big Corona. Relocation of overflow traffic and beach tourists to Crystal Cove should be a long term city goal. Relocating fire rings to Newport Pier would result in a situation similar to the Balboa Pier. It is a commercial zone, easier to police, nearby homes are generally daily or weekly vacation rentals as opposed to primary year round residences. The area already has 24 hour activity and additional usage would Independent Report — Big Corona Fire Rings add parking revenue and not substantially impact police or lifeguard services. This does not solve the smoke or health problems for the general public. 5. Stop funding the fire rings. (Remove and close the beach at sunset.) This solution could potentially save the City several hundred thousand dollars a year that is currently spent on maintenance and law enforcement. This solution was undertaken by the City of San Diego several years ago due to budget constraints, and the fire rings around Mission Bay are now privately funded. ASSESSMENTS: Graffiti and Crime: Big Corona is a magnet for graffiti, removal of which is a large expense for the City. Allowing people on the beach after dark exacerbates the problem by providing the cover of darkness for taggers. yollce Inamllty to Enforce Hours or Criminal Activity: The NBPD officer who testified at the Park Commission meeting stated that the police dept was not staffed to close the beaches on time and that often priority calls required the officer to leave the beach closing unenforced until after 10pm. The reality is that the beach is never cleared in the summer before 10:30 pm and often not until after 11 pm. The PD needs to start clearing the beach at 9:30 so the people are out by 10. However as the officer explained due to City Ordinance they cannot begin beach clearing until AFTER 10 pm. This suggests a change in Ordinance could resolve a considerable amount of the late night problems at the beach — and also possibly not require Coastal Commission approval or involvement. Since the Parks meeting there have been people on the beach after hours almost every single night. This authorjust called to report three separate parties of people on the beach at nearly midnight in early March. This is a nightly occurrence on a year round basis. The fact is enforcement of minor events at Big Corona beach is a low priority item for an understaffed police department which is doing the best it can with the resources is has available to it. Memories — Times Have Changed: When the fire rings were first installed sometime before the 1950's, Southern California had a much smaller population. It is now 20 million plus and growing. There are simply too many people, and the problem will continue to get worse. Times have changed. Yes, there has been a lifetime of memories made Independent Report — Big Corona Fire Rings at the Big Corona fire rings. It is no longer the 1950's when many of our families first enjoyed summer beach fires here. This author can remember spending the night with friends on the beach on several occasions. Sadly those times have passed. Future generations will not have the same experience we had in the more carefree days of the 1950's, but they will still have a positive beach experience available to them — for free. Christmas Tree Burn: Long time residents may remember up until the late 1970's the city used to sponsor annual "Christmas Tree Burn" bonfires. They were huge community events. As a kid, I and my friends would make a dollar apiece dragging hundreds of Christmas trees down to Big Corona where they built a bonfire with flames reaching a hundred feet or more into the sky — along with untold amounts of smoke, soot and dangerous conditions. For environmental issues this practice was curtailed. And like many memories, we are glad we had a chance to participate, but life is about making NEW MEMORIES! Large Groups: Where previously small family groups were the primary users of the fire rings, now oftentimes they are used by large groups. Some churches and community organizations are well behaved, other ad -hoc groups often of unsupervised younger people are occasionally less well behaved and create police and enforcement problems. Now often as not huge groups of people take over the fire rings. Where there used to be a family cooking marshmallows, now there are sometimes a 100 standing around each fire ring. In the 70's we had fun, now we have street gangs and graffiti problems and a thousand people. Persian New Year: This spontaneous event is not planned, managed, controlled or sponsored by anyone. It is essentially an annual though most well behaved "riot" in a residential neighborhood. As many as 5,000 people show up unannounced at the beach for an impromptu celebration which in part consists of extremely dangerous acts of jumping over the fires as part of a "cleansing" ritual. This unsanctioned event costs the taxpayers of Newport Beach considerable money in police, fire and lifeguard costs and is an incredible inconvenience to residents for blocks around as the party goers exit the beach AFTER 10 pm with stragglers still in the area until after midnight. The liability of the City continuing to allow this event is enormous. One person tripping and falling into a bonfire will result in huge lawsuits — because the City should have known better than to allow such blatantly unsafe activities to occu r. Independent Report — Big Corona Fire Rincas One advantage of closing the beach at sunset is it allows police a better opportunity to staff and enforce the closing time. Because the police often, especially on weekends have numerous calls for service due to party noise and disturbances right around 10PM this closing time spreads the staff too thin. BBQ's: In addition to removing fire rings some provision via Ordinance will need to be made to limit the scope of illegal use of BBQ's on the beach. Late Night Illegal Use — Precedent to Close Beach At Sunset: Big Corona is a State Beach. Many if not most other State beaches close at sunset. Crystal Cove and Gaviota beach which both have nearby public campgrounds come to mind. The simple solution is to close Big Corona at dusk. There is State park precedent for this. This solution should not require Coastal Commission involvement or approval. Smoking on the Beach vs Smoke on the Beach: Cigarette smoking is not allowed on the beach, yet the City allows smoky beach fires, which have been proven to be many times more toxic and unhealthy. Obviously this is an untenable double standard. Balboa Pier: Big Corona and Balboa Pier are separate issues and should be separate decisions. The Balboa Pier is a well lit commercial zone designed to handle large numbers of people, as is the Newport Pier zone. Corona del Mar is a residential neighborhood; it was not designed to handle the huge numbers of people of recent years, crowds ranging from several hundred to several thousand people leaving the beach in the dark, on unlit streets late at night. Child Safety: For years I have expressed concerns over child safety with the large number of people leaving the beach in the dark late at night with the ensuing confusion. All it is going to take is one child kidnapped, or getting the wrong car by accident or becoming lost in the dark and drowning and the City is going to face huge potential liability failing to take action after many warnings. Cost: How much do the fire rings cost Newport Beach taxpayers? Trash, repair, police, lifeguards, and other related expenses? These costs have never been fully computed or made available to the public that I am aware of. Who Uses the Beach After Dark ?: 95 %, maybe 99% of the people using Big Corona and the fire rings are not Independent Report — Big Corona Fire Rings Newport Beach residents. I am not aware of any law that requires Newport Beach taxpayers to provide specific recreational facilities to non - residents. Usage Poll: I have repeatedly asked for public polls of local residents and city taxpayers and NOBODY has EVER responded. Why because the answer is easily discernable — very few local residents use the fire rings on a regular basis, and many if not most have never used them. 1) How many times a year do you use the fire rings? 2) Have you EVER used the fire rings? 3) When was the last time you used the fire rings? 4) Have you EVER gone swimming at Big Corona beach after dark? 5) Have you EVER used the beach after midnight? There is no reason whatsoever to keep Big Corona beach open past sunset. No Tourist Income From Fire Ring Use: The primary users of the fire rings are non -local visitors from inland. The fire rings do not bring income to CDM. The beach users fill their coolers at home, they bring their firewood from home, they fill their gas tanks in their home town. Their beach outings benefit their inland communities, not CDM or Newport Beach. All they bring is their traffic noise and smoke and all they leave is their trash. Ocean Overwashing Danger: Let's talk about public safety — the rising ocean is overwashing the fire rings several times a year now. (See Attachement "A" photo of Big Corona fire rings under water.) Last summer the fire pits were overwashed twice by large surf when hundreds of people were on the beach. "Google" Big Corona images and you can find photos of this. This is a danger as hundreds of people try to run from the water and collect their stuff. This will only get worse as the oceans rise. FINAL ASSESSMENT: It is time for the City to explore and develop a solution for the fire rings that will serve residents first; public non - residents second, protect the health and quality of life of the community, while enabling a continued reasonable access to the public beach with minimal impact on surrounding residential areas. Independent Report — Bia Corona Fire Rings ATTACHMENT "A": Color image available online at: Dangerous Overwashing of Big Corona Beach and Fire Rings This image was taken during a winter storm in 2010 (1 believe). Similar overwashing occurred TWICE during the summer of 2011 as a result of high surf and high tides during the day and early evening when there were hundreds of people using the fire rings and fire were burning creating an extremely dangerous situation for public safety. Beach and fire ring users in some cases had mere seconds to grab their belongings and RUN from the incoming waves. Such conditions at Big Corona beach WILL become the norm as the oceans continue to rise. RECEIVED Daniel J. Leonard 3124 Breakers Drive &Z MAR 12 AN j� 54 Corona del Mar, Ca. 92625 March 7, 2012 Mayor Nancy Gardner City of Newport Beach 3300 Newport Blvd. Newport Beach, Ca. 92663 Dear Mayor Gardner: OFFICE OF THE CiIY CLERK CITY OF h. ?ti:' -ORT BEACH I am writing to you on behalf of the Breakers Drive Homeowners Association (BDHA) and all its members who reside on both Breakers Drive and on Ocean Blvd. The residents urge you to remove the fire rings from Corona del Mar State Park beach. Many residents have communicated with the members of the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission and I include copies for your review. Some of the reasons the BDHA requests removal of the fire rings are: • A number of residents and family members contracted breathing disorders and lung diseases, some being fatal. • The fire rings can and have caused burn injuries to children. • The fire rings attract individuals who are involved in gang activities and their sole purpose is to cause trouble including fights requiring police response. • The BDHA residents suffer from dirty air, excessive ash, and soot and burn residue from the fires on the beach. This is often exacerbated by breezes off the ocean. The many letters attached address the health aspects of wood burning. It is just plain UNHEALTHY. Now is the time to clean our air, not only for local residents but also for all people enjoying the beaches. Please remove the fire rings. D e J. Leonar President cdm fire rings issue Volume 9B No. 10 BIG SUR BLAZE DESTROYS By CHRIS COUNTS KNOWN BY its neighbors as the "Long House," mhome located in Gartapam Canyon burned to the ground Wednesday after overhead power lines mere blown into each other, sending spades mining down on a pile of flammable debris. Mid -CSmst Volunteer Fire Brigade Chief Cheryl Gaeta told The Pine Cone that her agency was notified of the fire c� On the Internet: www.earempineeonesom LIIY(; -: T •MRT BEACH just before 3 pm. Tuesday. She and two other Mid -Coast vol- unreem responded in the blaze, where they were semi met by o Cal -Fin: crew from the Cannel Highlands and volunteer fimfghters from Big S. Unforauamly, the firefighters could do nothing m save the house, which was already engulfed in flames. The occupants of the home — Susie Banteq Jeffrey Donors and several dogs — escaped with no injuries. While the house was destroyed fitufightem were able to contain an adjacent brush fare, which scorched about a quarter,accre and could have easily spread through the areas steep terrain, which is covered with dense veg- comes. "9h ware lucky," Grata said. Aiding the firefighters were neighbors, who west. ed no time moving into action. "They grabbed garden hoses to help fight the veg- etation fire and keep it from spreading," Goetz repart- ed She also said resident Matt Borek played a key role m suppressing the fire by pumping water from acrock. "He did a great job helping us out" she said. It is unclear how much of an effect high winds — or the previous night§ light rain — had on the fare. Counts said there were 20 mph guts of wind in the .yen at the time of the incident but "the house was Located back in an area protected from the wind" The fire sued as a reminds of the risks that exist in rural neighborhoods throughout Big Sur and Carmel Valley. To borer protect homes. Goem, sug- gested dw residents be well prepared to help put out a fire. I'll. "You can have a IQ000- gallon water lank on your Bre muds hough a house it people o C de Masrh 7 ed power Aron property, bra ifwe can't access it we can't gar waterm teethed m henry wills two people were auntie bra asmped withoul o. N'ryry. FseRghienkept the blaze hem spteodag ino the urep VnMstde'sdeme Mush. See FIRE page 9A Judges asked to declare sexual preference By KELLY NIX IF YOUR employer asked you to disclose whether you're LICH or even T, it would be claiming, if not lawsuit - inviting. But those very questions were posed to the states nearly 1,700 judges this year. For the past six years, the Judicial Council has asked judges to voluntarily provide information about their gender, race and ethrdeity — data some believe is necessary for the public m know to be teassuredabout the diversity ofthejudi- ciary. Preservationists want P.B. `mid - century treasure' saved 6; KELLY NIX A HOUSE in Pebble Beach designed by one of the worid§ most influential modem smhimen is m the term, of an effort to prevent it from being demolished Knownas the Connell House, the 4,124squam -foot home at 1170 Signal Hill Road in Pebble Beach is the creation of celebrated architect Richard Ncuba. The owner of the 1958 house — software CEO Macey Mcl dipour — has asked the cautery planning deparomem for permission to raze the building and construct a 11,933 - square-foo4 threcstory home in its place. But Mehwpom§ plaits are being fought by a group of people who contend the home shouldn't be demolished. Among them am Netma3 sons, Raymond and Dion Neuba, who argue the house is an important example of modernist architecture and exemplifies their fatherk approach to design. "It would be a great tragedy ifthc only authentic example ofa house designed by Richard Neva standing in Monterey County were to be demolished" according to Dion Nmtra But thus year,judges were also asked if they were lesbian, gay, bisexual or tmmgrnden questions required by Seattle Bill 182 mthored by Store Sea Ellen Corbett. a Democrat from San Leandro, and sponsored by gay rights group Equality California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed the bill m 2011. "We sponsored the bib because ultimately, we believe dart the touts are the most effective when they represent the diversity of the communities they sem," Rebekah Orr, spokeswoman for San Francisco-based Equality California told The Pine Cone Tuesday. Of the 1,678 judges surveyed about their sexual onanla- tion and genda identity, 969 (57.7 percen0 identified them. selves as heterosexual. 19 said they're lesbian. 17 picked "gay" and nobody said he was bisexual. See JUDGES page I0A Cone Match 9.15, 3013 Burnett has big campaign cash lead By MARY SCHLEY IN COLLECTING funds to help pay for their runs for office in the April 10 el -lion, mayoral candidate Jason Burnett has far surpassed challenger Rich Pepe, while the only incumbent running for council, Ken Talmage, has am. paced challengers victoria Beach, Bob Profeta and Tom Leverom. The candidates filed their first set of Immortal statements at city hall last week. ■ Jason Burnett Bunsen's considerable war chest includes 519,616 in con- tributions collected in 2011 aRer he armoured his invention in run for mayor, in addition to Sg,102 in cash raised between Jam I and Feb. 25 this year. His most generous supporters included Cordon and Ronda Eubanks of Pebble Beach, who each gave 52,000. Edwisu Bent of Mummy, lane Dtmaway of Carmel, Wade Randlea of San Francisco, Josune Start= of P.B. and Stanley Memsmen of Carmel each contributed 51,000. Other notable supporters included Julic Packard, his aunt and executive director of the Monterey Bay Aquarium, who donated 5750, as well as reslaumteur Firok Shield (5500), forma cotuxOwemun Barbara Livmgston (5200), former, Mayor Charlotte Townsend (SIDO), former Pacific Grove Mayor Dan Cort (550)), forma councilman David Maradci (520)), mromcy Skip Lloyd (3250), former Assemblyman and current Santa Crrsz Coady 4ea9nrer Fred Keelcy (SI00), Manterry County Supervisor Jam Parker (5500), architect Sofwat Malek (5500), Tahnoge (5250), former Nielsen Bons. Market awns Mery Sutton (SIOD), gallery owner Bib Ricans ($500), CRA member Roberts Miller (S500), Robert See FUNDS page 9A Pine Cone forum Tuesday ABSENTEE BALLOTS in Me April 10 Camel muwci- pal election are see to go out in the mail next week, just in time for the third and final candidates forms see for Tuesday, Match 13, from 7 in 9 pm, in Carpenter Hall at Sunset Coma. The Carmel Pine Cone is hosting the panel discus- sion, which will be moderated by publisher Paul Miller and will feature mayoml candidates Jason Burnett and Rich Pepe, and council contenders Ken Talmage, Victoria Beach Tom Lavemam and Bob Pt,,&m. Readers, voters and anyone else invommi i in the me arc encouraged at email questions; in advance to Miller at paW @camrelpmecom.emn. Questions will also be taken during the event. Carpenter Hall is accessible from Mission Street south of Eighth Avenue Council asks architect to tweak beach bathrooms A deign Jar pe.I beach bo h.. has them lowered ino the ground faro hnv By MARY SCHLEY THE YEARS -LANG effort to cort- Partct pattisnait har seash n place Carmel the pmq- potties rt the south end of Carmel Beach took aybe. step forward nh incumbent weer c maybe. Cars ar, who mttebers asked atcto de Rob Cma, who was hake th m s o design the help fedora. to make them sooner m help reduce wets and taldnen,inionacancems. Portable Milan have been in place m Santa Lucia nd S mm Road since 1996, and t he La Program adopted by the and Line Coastal commission in 2004 ca lls fin­ their replacement with per. command ains by As drains Carves the totem and atom building would be sunken feu feet See HOME page 7A p.Me, but some won, that could expose hem to high sad. See TWEAKED poge 9A Have the complete Carnal Phu Cone delivered every Thursday evening m your Wad laptop, PC or phone. Free subscripdons available at www.cmmdpinaam.cam SA The Cmmel Pme Cone Mach 9, 2012 —> BASKET OF ASHES PRESENTED AS BEACH FIRE CLEANUP SOLUTION By MARY SCHIEY CHUNKS OF charted wood and other debris from foes on popular Carmel Beach cars leave much of the white send dingy and dirty. Forest end beech commissioner Tom Lavence, who is also turning for city council, invented a solution he presented to the council Tuesday night and wig demonstrate a the beach March 10. His mesh basktt, shaped like a wok, has four handles and is placed in a pit in the =it and then partially buried. Its dimensions allow for a city-legal fire of 3 feet by 3 feet, and when the revelers arc done toasting marshmallows or sipping wine and warming their loos. they simply douse the blaze with water, lift the basket and catty it along with its burned conamts, up to due hashcens on Scenic Road. The method could help reduce the workload of city employees sM volunteers who clean the beach by hand. Each - LUTHER - A BELOVED CARMELITE 2009 -2012 1b the many who knew our dear Luther, we are sorry to write that he left us very suddenly last Sunday aftemoon. Locals will remember him for his daily walks through town, and many shops. He would stand up, gently wrap his paws around any admirers wrist, and look up at them as if to say "DO you have a treat for me ?" And, often they did! His passing was a0 too early in his young life — a for- ever loyal and loving Pal. Rod and PatSmjle Y.,, the city spends shout $10,000 on those efforts, and while possible solutions, including the mechanized beach rake with which the city unsuccessfully experimented, have been long discussed, no rtrel cure has emerged, other than to ban foes entirely. But much popular support exists for continuing to allow tires an the sand south of 10th Avenue, as long . beach goers follow rules dictating they be a certain distance from the bluffs and near enough the surf line so the waves will eventually wash than away. Many visitors, however, dons, know, the rules or choose to ignore them, hence the problems of dinginess and debris. City forester Mike Branson immiseed LeveroneS con- cept at the March 6 council meeting. "The idea is to make the user pan of the solution," he said. "If you're going to have a fire, maybe you can be pan of the solution in cleaning it up." The forest and beach commisdon endorsed the basket and asked the council and public for fadl ac:. Levemne provid- ed a lot of dam➢ on his creation and its implementation, as well as suggestion for how it co Wit be used. The baskets could be rented to beach visitors or Ironed for a deposit- Lindsey }kums, who has lived near the beach and been burning £ices there with his f ®ay for decades, strenuously objected in having in use any such instrument, i ishead opting for next -day cleanup by hand. "This things a monsterl" he exclaimed'9t's an absolute snonstcrl" Skip Lloyd who has repeatedly complained about chu- coal on the beach, commended Levemne for his creativity xohel5,mle' \ • MARCH SPECIALS SMART LIPO 2 areas for the price of ONE!! 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Certified Disaster Cleaning & Mitigation, Inc. ...Bringing s iamer no rech skV ro the emergency servicesnsdussy (831) 770 -0307 www.certifieddisSiderclearding.com Craig, Teri From: Robert Boragno [rjboragno @g mail. coml Sent: Monday, March 12, 2012 6:15 PM To: Dept - City Council; Recreation; info @cdmra.org Subject: Fire rings removal I say enough of the "Nanny State NIMBY Mentality". You can not legislate common sense nor should you legislate for the benefit of a privileged few. If that were the case, there would be an arm and signal at every railroad crossing and Ocean Blvd would be blocked to vehicular traffic. Hundreds of thousands of people, some not so privileged, are able to enjoy the beaches and partake in age old festivities such as swimming, Frisbee and even cooking a hot dog over an open fire. This is done at the expense of everyone who resides in California not at the expense of the privileged few. Beach goers are already restricted from smoking, drinking alcohol, playing with their dogs and must abide by a curfew. Enough is enough. To placate the few, you will punish many including your house keeper, your gardener, your buss boy, your paper boy, your car wash guy and maybe even the 100,000 residents of Newport Beach. Please table this for another time- Keep the fire rings. If you want to improve the quality of life in CDM consider Doggie Bags and Disposal Containers on strategic street corners. Sincerely yours, Robert J. Boragno 601 Dahlia Ave CDM, CA 92625 (26 year CDM homeowner) Craig, Teri From: Betty Sisemore [blscdm @sbcglobal.net] Sent: Monday, March 12, 2012 8:25 PM To: Dept - City Council; Recreation; info @cdmra.org Subject: fire rings No one has ever complained for 60 years. Why now? Leave them be for all to enjoy!! Craig, Teri From: bobnmel2 @aol.com Sent: Monday, March 12, 2012 8:33 PM To: Dept - City Council; Recreation; info @cdmra.org Subject: Fire Rings I am opposed to removing the fire rings at CDM beach. People should supervise their children when using the rings or don't use them. I don't believe everyone else should be penalized and lose their right to use the the rings. Melinda Keeler 2690 Point del Mar CDM Craig, Teri From: Nancy Otis [nrotis @earthlink.net] Sent: Tuesday, March 13, 2012 9:52 AM To: Dept - City Council, Recreation; info @cdmra.org PLEASE do not remove the fire rings from the beaches. They offer so much great fun and wonderful memories to so many families and groups. We need more areas like this, not less. Sincerly Raymond and Nancy Otis Craig, Teri From: Detweiler, Laura Sent: Tuesday, March 13, 2012 10:40 AM To: Craig, Teri Subject: FW: Fire Rings For the file. Laura Detweiler I Director Recreation and Senior Services Department City of Newport Beach p: (949) 644 -3157 1 f: (949( 644 -3155 Detweiler@newportbeachca. aov Par �e e From: Jim Kaminsky rmailto:iimkaminskyCa�cox.netj, Sent: Tuesday, March 13, 2012 10:34 AM To: Henn, Michael; Rosansky, Steven; Hill, Rush; Daigle, Leslie; Selich, Edward; Gardner, Nancy; Curry, Keith Cc: Detweiler, Laura Subject: Fire Rings Honorable members of the Newport Beach City Council, My name is Jim Kaminsky and I am a resident of Corona del Mar. I am also a retired Detective Commander with the Newport Beach Police Department. I have served the city for 28 years. I apologize for this form of communication with you. I was present at the last Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission meeting at which the topic of fire rings was discussed. At that meeting, I publicly issued my opinion on the topic. I fully intended on appearing publicly before you tonight as well, but a prior obligation in Los Angeles prevents me from doing so. Speaking as a resident with a considerable amount of law enforcement experience in this City I can tell you that a good number of individuals and groups visit the fire rings in a legal and well intentioned fashion. Groups such as the boy and girl scouts, church groups, civic and business groups, etc., enjoy the fire rings and have created lasting memories over the many years they have been on the sand. With that said, I can tell you from a law enforcement perspective that the fire rings can also be a dangerous element that carries a liability the total of which the city has yet to experience. As the Area 3 Commander, which includes CDM Main Beach, for over five years, I have arrested, ordered the arrest of, or approved the booking of individuals at the fire rings. Those arrests include public offenses such as narcotics possession and use, lewd conduct, child molestation, fights, stabbings, public intoxication, gang related activity, sexual assaults as well as myriad violations of the municipal code. The cases I mention all reside in the records division at the police department and all one needs to do is pull the case and read the location of occurrence to verify that they happened at the fire rings. I have personally witnessed the burring of everything from regularly fire wood, pallets, construction materials to a living room sofa in the fire rings. I have seen a family actually using a barbecue in the fire rings fueled with a canister of propane gas positioned upon hot coals. Due to the noxious odors of some of the items burned in the fire rings, I have, on more than one occasion, ordered my personnel off the beach for fear of an inhalation injury and a future cost to the city for their medical treatment. Finally, each year at about this time, the Persian community comes to the fire rings to celebrate a portion of their New Year. This brings literally thousands of people to the fire rings. Again, this group is probably the most well behaved and courteous gathering I have ever seen at CDM Main at night. However, one of the aspects of this event is "fire jumping'; and, apparently, the higher the fire, the more successful the jump. I don't need to discuss the city liability involved here. The Fire 1 Department doesn't need to discuss it either because they're convinced of the inherent danger; so convinced that they annually post an ambulance and an engine at the event in anticipation of an injury or fire getting out of control. As I explained to the P, B and R Commission, the city General Services Department does a fantastic job of cleaning the fire ring beaches each and every morning of the year. By the time the sun comes up those beaches are pristine. But at what cost to the tax payers? What cost of all this to the tax payers? The city is spending countless dollars each year for police, fire and general services response to the fire ring issue. This includes salaries, benefits, overtime and sometimes it includes worker's compensation costs when a city employee is injured while working for the city at the fire rings. Couple this with the fact that the city pays a police officer to take about an hour out of his shift each and every night to specifically go down to CDM Main Beach to clear it and lock the gate. This is one hour that that officer is not patrolling his area, but rather dealing with the fire ring issue. In an era where the City of Newport Beach , as well as many other cities, are compacting their city services in an attempt to find, according to this council, a more efficient use of tax payer funds, it just doesn't make fiscal sense to keep using the resources it does at the fire rings. Thank you. Jim Kaminsky 2 Harris, Lillian From: Craig, Teri Sent: Tuesday, March 13, 2012 11:18 AM To: Harris, Lillian Subject: FW: fire rings new article Here is another one. The City Council was not included on this but she asks that it be made available to them Teri Craig, Administrative Assistant City of Newport Beach Recreation & Senior Services Department 3300 Newport Blvd Newport Beach, CA 92663 (W) 949 - 644 -3158 1 (Fax) 949 - 644 -3155 tcraig(@newportbeachca.goy - - - -- Original Message---- - From: Julie Mellum rmailto :mellum.julie(@gmail.coml Sent: Tuesday, March 13, 2012 11:06 AM To: Craig, Teri Subject: FW: fire rings new article Dear "TCraig ", I am so hopeful that the Newport Beach City Council will do the right thing and remove the fire rings from the beaches. This article today (below) addressed the safety hazards of fire rings and the liability that cities have to protect its citizens from burns, crime and other hazards. Two vital issues weren't addressed that are at least as important: 1. The ADA Americans with Disabilities Guidelines civil rights act mandates that cities remove all physical barriers that prevent access to public spaces for those with disabilities such as asthma. To asthmatics and others with heart disease or other disabilities, wood smoke presents a terrific barrier that can cost them their health and even their lives. Few cities can risk that liability for the sake of those who burn for entertainment. 2. The property rights of taxpayers near the beach and within breathing distance of the wood smoke could also take issue with their inability to use and enjoy their property smoke -free. Thank you for your consideration in voting to remove them. Can you please forward this to all City Council members? Many thanks. http: / /www.ocregister.com/ news /rings- 344243 - fire- beach.html Julie Mellum Founder, Take Back the Air www.takebacktheair.com 1 Harris, Lillian From: Craig, Teri on behalf of Recreation Sent: Tuesday, March 13, 2012 11:04 AM To: Harris, Lillian Subject: FW: Removal of CDM Fire Rings Importance: High Can you add this one as well. Teri Craig, Adrnini%rative. Assisf 1t City of Newport Beac:(i Rak—t:ation R: °erdor Services Dcpartrrterit 3300 Nev<pore Blvd Ne,wI.vrl: Brach., CA 92663 (\N, 7 ) 949 - 644 -3158 I (Pax) 949 - 644. -3135 tcra&6 newpmOmchcag v Pa r,k c Pe From: McAlearney, John rmailto:idm @mmsh.netl Sent: Tuesday, March 13, 2012 10:45 AM To: Dept - City Council; Recreation; infoCacdmra.org Subject: Removal of CDM Fire Rings Importance: High 13 March 2012 Dear Council Members: We are 20 plus year residents of the City. Our home is in the 200 block of Heliotrope and we are negatively and continually affected by the nuisance of the fire rings and the health hazards they present to us and the entire community. We have noted from the staff report that if the City resolves to remove the rings they would need to do so in compliance with Coastal Commission procedures. As well evidenced by the City's own staff report, the Council and the City have been put on notice as to the severity and extent of the health and safety hazards related to the continued usage of the fire rings. FOR THE CITY TO ALLOW ANY FURTHER USAGE OF THE FIRE RINGS WOULD SERVE TO LEAVE THE CITY (AND ITS TAXPAYERS) OPEN TO THE RISK OF CONTINUING LIABILITY EXPOSURE. Accordingly, we urge that the City Council: (1) take definitive action to remove all of the beach fire rings; and (2) order the immediate cessation of the usage of all beach fire rings while Coastal Commission procedural compliance regarding removal is pending. TO ALLOW THE CONTINUED USAGE OF THE FIRE RINGS PENDING THE COMPLETION OF THE COSTAL COMMISSION'S BUREAUCRATIC PROCESS WOULD BE FISCALLY IRRESPONSIBLE AND WOULD EXACERBATE THE HEALTH RISKS TO OUR RESIDENTS. John & Patricia McAlearney 234 Heliotrope Ave CDM z Harris, Lillian From: Rieff, Kim Sent: Tuesday, March 13, 2012 2:23 PM To: Harris, Lillian Subject: FW: City Council action on beach fire rings In the City Clerk's inbox. Kim From: City Clerk's Office Sent: Tuesday, March 13, 2012 1:42 PM To: Rieff, Kim Subject: FW: City Council action on beach fire rings From: caotain.otto(a),verizon. netf SMTP :CAPTAIN.OTTO(a)VERIZON.NETI Sent: Tuesday, March 13, 2012 12:41:59 PM To: City Clerk's Office Subject: City Council action on beach fire rings Auto forwarded by a Rule I am a third- generation native of Newport Beach. Although I now live in Redlands, my children now represent the fourth generation of this family to enjoy the beaches. The area adjacent to the Balboa Pier is our regular destination throughout the summer months. Having a fire at the beach is one of my fondest childhood memories, an experience my children now share. Toasting marshmallows over a bonfire after a day enjoying the surf is the quintessential Newport Beach experience. I understand one of the reasons behind the proposed removal is that bonfires contribute to air pollution and global warming. Seriously? This sounds more like politically correct environmental posturing. I would love to see one shred of actual scientific evidence that the fire rings are harmful in any way. If that were the case, the Council would be wise to ban all backyard barbeques, fireplaces, and all manner of open flame. How about candles on birthday cakes? After all, all fires release greenhouse gas, and we can't be too environmentally conscious now, can we? The other reason I've heard is that the fire rings attract a "bad element" to the beach. So the Council's solution is to eliminate the rings. Or, maybe the Council might want to consider measures to eliminate the bad elements so that decent, law- abiding families like mine may continue to enjoy the beach, and an evening bonfire. Respectfully submitted, N. Eric Wroolie 405 W. Riverview Dr. Redlands, CA 92374 909 -553 -0358 captain.otto@Verizon.net 03/13/2012 Concerns: Health impacts to nearby residents and other beach goers due to smoke, particulate matter, and hot ash. Public testimony of concerns.... (child safety, air quality hazards, toxic fumes, burning embers floating in the air, careless burning of hazardous materials, AQMD restrictions and studies and related risks) t v, 4, roar Commission Considered Possible Solutions: Partial or full removal of fire rings Limit hours of operation of fire rings Limit types of burning product (i.e. Duraflame roasting logs which burn 6o% cleaner than wood). A combination of the above options Fire rings remain as they currently exist �tEw'�Oq� O Y p 03/13/2012 03/13/2012 4 Recommendation Direct staff to take the necessary steps to remove all 6o fire rings located at Balboa and Corona del Mar beach m Harris, Lillian From: Browne Martin [martinsbrowne @yahoo.comj Sent: Wednesday, March 14, 2012 8:59 AM To: Henn, Michael; Rosansky, Steven; Hill, Rush; Daigle, Leslie; Selich, Edward; Gardner, Nancy; Curry, Keith; Brown, Leilani; Harris, Lillian; Detweiler, Laura; Badum, Steve Subject: Re: Please keep the fire pits Hello, I wacthed the discussions and sorry to hear you have voted to eliminate. I was disappointed that no one from the Council even wanted the discuss the matter for one second and you went straight to the vote. For such an important decision affecting so many people from all over the area you could have at least talked about the item. Oh well, at least I tried. Thanks for listening. I guess I will go to HB. Take care, Martin From: Browne Martin <martinsbrowne(d�vahoo.com> To: "M Hen n(aDNewportBeachCa.gov" <M Henn Oo NewportBeachCa.gov >; "S Rosa nsky(o)NewportBeachCa.gov" < SRosanskv t?g.NewportBeachCa.gov >; "RHill(�i_)NewportBeachCa.gov" <RHilI(a-)NewportBeachCa.gov >; "leslieidaigle(a)aol.com" <leslieidaiglena aol.com >; "EdSelich(o)roadrunner.com" <EdSelich(droadrunner.com >; "N Gard ner(o)NewportBeachCa.gov" < NGardner(a)NewportBeachCa.gov >; "currvk(a)pfm.com" <curryk a7.pfm.com >; "I brown (a)newportbeachca.gov" <lbrown(5)newportbeachca.gov >; "Iharris()a newportbeachca.gov" <lharris(cDnewportbeachca.gov >; " Ietweiler(a)newportbeachca.gov" < Ietweiler(a)newportbeachca.gov >; "sbadum(o)newportbeachca.gov" <sbadum(L�,)newportbeachca.gov> Sent: Tuesday, March 13, 2012 4:49 PM Subject: Please keep the fire pits Hello, I am a resident of La Habra Heights and really enjoy the fun family times I have had sitting around the fire pits on a summer evening. We have a family tradition several times a year to visit your beach during the day and then have a BBQ at night. Such an enjoyable time to relax, laugh and catch up. You provide a valuable service through these fire pits and it would be such a shame to remove them. I urge you to please maintain the pits as I want my kids to have the same memories I have had over the years. I would even be happy to pay a permit / usage fee each time. Anyway please keep these fire pits. Regards Martin Browne 1525 East Rd La Habra Heights, CA 90631 r• 'CJ L C'>'T (D ' 1 7- ---� al � - m T 1�1 j1 N O� Harris, Lillian From: Browne Martin [martinsbrowne @yahoo.com] Sent: Tuesday, March 13, 2012 4:49 PM N`p 3 PK 5: 2C To: Henn, Michael; Rosansky, Steven; Hill, Rush; Daigle, elich, Edward; Gardner, Nancy; Curry, Keith; Brown, Leilani; Harris, Lillian; Detweiler, Laura; BSteve Subject: Please keep the fire pits CF I„[ UUff TE;- 017 CLERK My 0- . . r� TT B—N-H Hello, I am a resident of La Habra Heights and really enjoy the fun family times I have had sitting around the fire pits on a summer evening. We have a family tradition several times a year to visit your beach during the day and then have a BBQ at night. Such an enjoyable time to relax, laugh and catch up. You provide a valuable service through these fire pits and it would be such a shame to remove them. I urge you to please maintain the pits as I want my kids to have the same memories I have had over the years. I would even be happy to pay a permit / usage fee each time. Anyway please keep these fire pits. Regards Martin Browne 1525 East Rd La Habra Heights, CA 90631 T, ECE! VED AF'T'ER AGE, d11 March 9, 2012 TO: City of Newport Beach, Newport Beach City Council TITLE: Big Corona State Beach Fire Rings — Discussion of Issues and Solutions COMPILED BY: Jamie Starr and Associates. ADDITIONAL DISCUSSIOW Relocation of Fire Ring to CrVstal Cove: The simplest solution to this whole issue is to relocate the fire rings to Crystal Cove. There are large parts of the state beach which do not impact nearby housing where fire rings could be placed. The State Park has their own Rangers and Lifeguards, the costs of the fire ring management and maintenance could be passed to the State tax rolls, it rightfully belongs, since most users are not local residents where but come from other parts of the state it is only fair that everyone share the cost, not just Newport Beach residents. Revenue: Issue 1: There was some discussion during the Parks Commission meeting regarding the possible loss of parking revenue if the fire rings were removed, resulting in people not parking at the Big Corona parking lot if the beach was closed at sunset. Fact: Parking is already free after sunset, so late arrivals don't pay anyway. This is more pronounced in the winter months than summer due to the earlier time the parking booth closes. Fact: Most people using the fire rings in the summer have already parked much earlier in the day and paid for their space. Fact: Because of the high relative price of parking, many beach users have been driven to park in the residential neighborhood. They unload coolers at the bottom of the hill then park in the "Flower streets." Result: Little to no loss of parking revenue would occur if the fire rings are removed. — 9519 corona F 2. Portable road signs need to be placed on MacArthur, Jamboree, and other access roads well in advance of Corona del Mar warning motorists that all parking is full and redirecting them to other beach areas before they reach the PCH gridlock. 3. The city needs to develop a long term plan with Crystal Cove State Park to expand utilization of the park. There are 3 miles of virtually unused coastline, and hundreds of acres of coastal scrub brush that without harming views or public impact could be utilized to provide thousands of parking spaces — thereby taking some pressure off of Big Corona and the residential neighborhood. RESIDENTIAL PARKING PERMITS: There is a distinct need for resident parking permits, such as are issued for areas on the Peninsula and which are being considered for the Balboa Pier area to force visitor traffic into the city managed parking lots. Ocean Blvd. and the 200 and 300 blocks should be resident only parking during summer months. This would solve the excessive and nearly uncontrollable growing numbers of people coming to use the beach. Once the beach parking was full visitors would be redirected to Crystal Cove or other beach venues. Revenues from parking permits would help pay for traffic mitigation manpower — and Corona del Mar would be able to retain it's charm as a beach community instead of a summer free - for -all. H I W, Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commission Discussed issues and solutions - February '7, 2012, • Voted 4 -3 for removal of all 6o fire rings ig members of the public spoke in favor of removal Concerns: Health impacts to nearby residents and other beach goers due to smoke, particulate matter, and hot ash. Public testimony of concerns.... (child safety, air quality hazards, toxic fumes, burning embers floating in the air, careless burning of hazardous materials, AQMD restrictions and studies and related risks) Commission Considered Possible Solutions: Partial or full removal of fire rings Limit hours of operation of fire rings Limit types of burning product (i.e. Duraflame roasting logs which burn 6o% cleaner than wood). A combination of the above options Fire rings remain as they currently exist boa Pier rNart ewpnr each - 33 s Total Map At / - e X= OF 0 C5 0 0 0 _ a 00 0 ., Am � SEW poRT n 02011 C- ocgle. M11ao tleta 02011 3 o21e - Edit in Google Map Maker V 1 FO I Balboa Pier (So , Newport Beach - 33 Fire Rings Total OWL, Vim" Wa- 0 0 0 0 O 0 y: 1 Corona Del Mar State Vfth, NewporMach 7 Fire WWI o a �o .. �. a r NOW 5w \ po FO I Staff Report Documents Research on Southern California Fire Rings Research materials from Commissioner Hamilton related to health and safety issues. All correspondence received related to the fire rings Excerpt of PBR Commission Feb. 7 minutes Recommendation Direct staff to take the necessary steps to remove all 6o fire rings located at Balboa and Corona del Mar beach i . J m a't � �.eb Hpi .4. Hres and Wood Sm(n)Ike The Case Against the Fire Rings V '1 � t ./ i It That nice, cozy fire is bad for you —Sam Harris The Fireplace Delusion � f 1 .� " __ :� . . - - w ..�'� , �, ',� _ _ a f .`"_Y�i �awcy� � - -�. �. , 1. �� �: }--�� - ,. Weil ,$ L L k LAN ffi Wood smoke is 12 times more carcinogenic than equal amounts of tobacco smoke 1., Y d" EPA VIVO It Long -term exposures lead to reduced lung function, chronic bronchitis, even premature death :.EPA � ,i � »ate �� \ \-~ � . \ 2 \44 �1 c4 i s � I AOL kL ZXL Ak �' 7 . .J, I It Researchers are reporting that wood smoke contains the same toxic chemicals found in Cigarette Smoke I It Outdoor fires significantly shorten the average human life span Clean Air Revival r rt �f 4: I - I`I 1r T J/ p vI : 11 "k I � �S. It Even limited exposure to wood smoke can be harmful to human health South Coast Air Quality Management District Cleaning the air that we breathe 1 0 So if the fire rings are dangerous... _AW tl: a-wl Let's remove them a ��; - ... -,� ",; ? , C �` �'1 St-. r - - -P.� i I ;�-Wr Al.