Beach Fires
There is nothing quite like enjoying an evening at the beach with a small fire, as you watch the waves continually roll under a magnificent sky full of stars. To ensure you have the best experience, as well as keep our locals and the surrounding areas free from any emergencies, here are some must-dos when wanting to enjoy a beach fire.
The Yachats area is very rural as far as access to first responders go, so please make sure to always take extra care when deciding to have a small beach fire.
First and foremost, please make sure that any fires are legally allowed at the time by checking the fire restrictions page at stateparks.oregon.gov. They will post up to date information on any restrictions in the area, as well as what is/isn’t allowed at the time. You can also call the State Parks Information Center at 800-551-6949 for updates. Also note that many beaches in the area are a part of a Marine Protected Area (MPA) as well as the Cape Perpetua Marine Reserve. There are NO fires allowed at any time within these protected areas. Ignoring any of these rules can result in a very hefty fine, so please make sure to have the best experience by following all the rules and guidelines in place, for the safety of everyone.
Which brings us to location- your beach fire should always be on flat open sand, far away from any trees, forests, vegetation, homes and driftwood. Fires should never be larger than about knee height (2ft high max by 2ft wide). Use small logs rather than large pieces of wood, and keep the fire footprint small. Maintaining a smaller fire really aids in preventing bits of embers and ash from floating on the coastal winds, potentially causing a wildfire. Subsequently, if it is windy out, fires are not recommended as the winds really increase the chances of an emergency happening. NEVER leave your fire unattended.
Before starting a small fire, make sure to have a 5 gallon bucket filled with water near the fire at all times. The water can be used in the case of an emergency, as well as once you are done with the fire, by SLOWLY dousing the flames and embers. Make sure everything is soaking wet, and always make sure to use a stick to stir the fire and water mixture, as embers can hide in the sand and cause serious burns to unsuspecting beach goers. Do NOT use sand to put out your beach fire, as sand will only insulate the embers and fire-using water is key. By covering a fire with sand, again, you are opening up the very real possibility of someone being severely burned by a buried fire, even days later! This sadly happens every year to a handful of beachgoers, and it is totally preventable!
As always, make sure to pick up any trash when getting ready to head out from the beach. Fireworks are strictly prohibited on beaches, year round. If you used any rocks in building your fire, make sure to put them back where you found them. Leaving the space better than when you arrived, is the name of the game!
Here’s a fun little activity to do when you’re at the beach after the sun sets, when you’re bundled up and cozy around a small beach fire-
Microscopic marine life off our coastline can actually glow at night, this beautiful phenomenon is called bioluminescence! If you’re lucky, once the sky darkens, you may catch some glimpses of bright blue glowing organisms in the waves crashing on the shore. A fun way to share your own form of bioluminescence while at the beach at night, is by taking a Wint-O-Green Lifesaver, and crunching it up in your mouth. Open your mouth with the crushed bits inside, to wow your friends and family with your own blue glow!
Written by: Girl In Water Photography