KELLY CUCULIANSKY, STAFF WRITER
As the temperatures begin to dip into the 50s, it's becoming a great time of year to light up the night with an oceanside bonfire.
The Three8six crew had its inaugural fire last weekend, hoping for some jam sessions and new friends. We're happy to report we attracted three dogs and about 100 people that either stopped by for a little while, or stayed warm with us through most of Saturday night and the wee hours of Sunday.
Some folks taunted us with their instruments and didn't play, but by about midnight, people were finally into full groove. We had some fiddle-action, complemented by mandolin and guitar. (Special thanks to guest musicians and the members of Halifax Contraband, which graciously played fireside).
Our fire was nicely blazing with visitors on blankets and in camping chairs, not to mention that guy lying around who thought he was Borat incarnate and kept saying "This, I like!" ("Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation Kazakhstan") Marshmallows galore, of course, and some cold beer that probably made people need to stand closer to the fire.
All in all, we couldn't have hoped for a better time. No cops, no burns, and no worries.
So considering it was our first bonfire--and it went off without a hitch--we figured inquiring minds may like a "How To" guide.
Lessons learned: - Check out the scene in advance. Depending on tides and the beach, you may not be able to drive on the beach to drop off your wood. This is when wheelbarrows and ramps become your best friends.
- If you want some homegrown music, you can't just expect musicians to come and play together. Elect a jam session leader. They need a leader to get started.
- Expect party crashers. Our Three8six event was public so no one was considered a "crasher," but we did have a mob of unattended children show up early in the night, just dying to throw wood on the fire and roast their own marshmallows. Without a parent in sight, we had to shoo them away.
People came from as far away as Orlando for my private bonfire this spring, surprisingly bringing me birthday presents--including some orange-flavored liqueur they probably stole form their parents ' cabinet. People from other nearby fires also stopped by, so we got to know some new folks.
- Be prepared to pick up after your guests.
- You're going acquire lots of free stuff that people forgot on the beach. Bonfires I've put together have yielded Columbia-brand flip-flops, a Beatles sweater, Smirnoff beer, and really nice beach towels.
Here's what you'll need:1. Fire wood. (Tip: A cord is too much. And don't just grab any wood off someone's property. You need thoroughly dried wood.)
2. Starter logs and/or kindling
3. Camping chairs, old sheets or blankets to sit on
4. Lanterns or flashlights
5. Wheelbarrow to transport the wood and other supplies
6. Multi-tool or Swiss Army Knife (you never know)
7. Tables (not essential, but very nice to have)
8. Bucket for water collection and fire extinguishing
9. Trash bags
10.Lighter (sounds obvious but we had to go buy one 'cause we forgot)
Other helpful things to have: 1. Hot cocoa
2. S'mores supplies: graham cracker, marshmallows, chocolate
3. Recycle bins or designated bags for cans and bottles
4. Skewers or sharpened twigs to roast marshmallows or hot dogs
5. Pot of chili
Getting permission: Beach bonfires aren't permitted until after sea turtle season (May through October 31). Lights on the beach can disorient females trying to lay eggs and hatchlings trying to make it to sea. Let the authorities know your plans, to ensure you are doing it in the right place and no one shuts you down.
No matter where you're doing it, pick up all trash and be sure to extinguish the fire with water, not just sand. Burying burning embers in the sand has an oven-like effect and can and can burn unknowing passerby on the beach.
If you are in Volusia County, you have to be at least 18 years old to get a permit from the county Beach Patrol. It's free and easy. Call 386-239-6414, extension 230 to reserve a pit. They will need a copy of your driver's license and you'll need to fill out a form and drop it off or fax it back to them.
There are six beach fire pit locations, but some do not have parking. Tom Renick Park, 1565 Oceanshore Blvd. in Ormond - by - the - Sea, Cardinal Avenue beach approach in Ormond Beach, Frank Rendon Park, 2705 S. Atlantic Ave. in Daytona Beach Shores. Pits in New Smyrna Beach are at the Beachway Avenue approach, the North Beach Community Park off Sapphire Road, and the Hiles Avenue.Permit applicants are responsible for cleaning up trash and unburned wood. Officers inspect the site each night and violators will be contacted to return and clean up and may not be granted a permit again.
Volusia rules don't allow any beer or alcohol on the beach.
Fires must be contained. If you can't reserve a pit, you can have one in a fire bowl. It's not mandated, but Capt. Scott Petersohn said the Beach Patrol appreciates being notified of your fire and location in case nearby homeowners complain or report a fire.
The Fire Department of Flagler Beach also appreciates being notified of your fire location. Call 386-517-2010. The city doesn't provide fire pits and all fires must be contained.
You can bring a fire bowl or cut a drum in half to contain the fire. Fire Chief Martin Roberts requests fires be at least 100 feet away from the Flagler Pier to prevent problems with burning embers. The fire should not be higher than two feet from the sand.
"If it's very windy or if we get complaints about smoke, we're going to put it out," Roberts said.
Other things to note: According to the city's ordinance, consuming alcohol is only allowed on the sand in Flagler Beach. Large groups should notify the police department at 386-517-2020.