As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
BEACH BRUSH
The accumulation of natural wood or seagrass materials that
are deposited upon the beach due to tidal activity.
BEACH FIRE
The burning of any materials on a beach for pleasure, religious,
ceremonial, cooking, warmth or similar purposes, other than a Fourth
of July bonfire.
FOURTH OF JULY BONFIRE
A fire on a beach on the evening of the Fourth of July or
alternate rain date, after 8:00 p.m.
OUTDOOR FIRE
The burning of any materials outside of a building on lands
other than a beach.
No person shall set, kindle, start, fuel or continue a Fourth
of July bonfire except as permitted in accordance with the following
regulations:
A. A Fourth of July bonfire shall not be started, kindled or maintained
if the prevailing wind is onshore.
B. A Fourth of July bonfire shall not be started or maintained less
than 50 feet from any beach grass, vegetation, bulkhead, tent, fence,
building, decking permanent structure, combustible furniture or equipment,
nor within 120 feet of any piping plover nesting area.
C. A Fourth of July bonfire must be centered on the beach, equidistant
from neighboring properties or on property line if neighbors are sharing
a beach fire, and near the mean high water line.
D. A Fourth of July bonfire fire shall not have a total fuel area greater
than four feet per side or diameter and six feet in height measured
from the natural grade, and shall be constructed in an upright configuration.
E. A Fourth of July bonfire can only burn whole, natural wood. No chemically
treated wood, green wood, or painted wood or wood containing nails,
nor wood or plastic pallets shall be used.
F. Metal, plastic or glass shall not be placed or thrown into a Fourth
of July bonfire.
G. A Fourth of July bonfire shall always be attended by at least one
person aged 16 or older. A shovel and rake shall be available to extinguish
the fire if necessary and for restoring beach to original or pre-fire
condition.
H. A police officer may require that a Fourth of July bonfire be extinguished
or not ignited when deemed to be dangerous due to location, wind condition,
size, or whenever atmospheric or other circumstances present an increased
fire hazard that threatens public safety.
I. The Mayor, Deputy Mayor or a police officer has the authority to
prohibit a Fourth of July bonfire based on the location of mean high
water at time of the Fourth of July bonfire.
J. A Fourth of July bonfire shall be fully and completely extinguished
upon conclusion of the Fourth of July celebration. No burning, smoldering,
smoking, hot embers or debris shall be left on the beach. All fire
debris must be removed and disposed of properly and the site must
be restored to its natural condition at the conclusion of the fire.
The gathering of beach brush to form piles other than for a
beach fire is prohibited.