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Recreational Beach Fires

Recreational beach fires are the perfect setting for memorable gatherings with your family and friends. The Town of Melbourne Beach is committed to assisting our residents and visitors enjoy this time honored tradition in a safe and controlled manner.

Within our municipal town limits, beach fires are allowed daily in designated fire pits from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., and must be accompanied by a permit issued by the Town of Melbourne Beach. Beach fire permits are issued on a first-come, first-serve basis, and are only available during non-turtle nesting months (November – February).

Read our commonly asked questions below for important information before applying for a beach fire permit.

28 February
Upcoming Event

2024-2025 Beach Fire Season Ends

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to have a beach fire in the Town of Melbourne Beach?

  • YES, recreational beach fires are allowed by permit only within the Town of Melbourne Beach.
  • Any non-permitted beach fires are strictly prohibited.

How do I get a beach fire permit for the Town of Melbourne Beach?

  • Permits are issued in person at the Melbourne Beach Town Hall located at 507 Ocean Avenue, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • Applications must be submitted at least 3 days prior to the requested beach fire event date to allow time for processing.
  • Beach fire reservations will not be accepted more than 15 days in advance.

How do I get a beach fire permit for areas located outside of the Town of Melbourne Beach?

What time of year are beach fires permitted in the Town of Melbourne Beach?

  • Beach fires are only permitted during non-turtle nesting season (November 1st – February 28th)

What is the cost of a beach fire permit in the Town of Melbourne Beach?

  • Permit Fee: $50 (non-refundable)
  • Site Deposit: $100 (refundable)
    • The deposit will be refunded and a check mailed within 10 business days after the permit expires, providing the burn area is left clean and free of debris, and all provisions of this beach fire permit are adhered to.

Where can I have a beach fire in the Town of Melbourne Beach?

  • Beach fires in the Town of Melbourne Beach are allowed by permit only.  Permits are currently being issued for the following location(s):

Where can I park my vehicle for beach fires at the Caroline Marks Ocean Park site?

What are the requirements to obtain a beach fire permit in the Town of Melbourne Beach?

  • Permits are issued only to adults over the age of 21.
  • Proof of Driver’s License or State-issued ID will be required to obtain a permit. (This is important since the permittee will be responsible for all individuals attending the beach fire activity and will be expected to sign a waiver for the attendees of the beach fire.)
  • The permittee must be on site at all times during scheduled time listed on permit.

Can children participate in beach fire activities?

  • Children under the age of 18 must be chaperoned by an adult 21 years of age or older at all times during the beach fire. The permittee will be responsible for all individuals attending the beach fire activity and will be expected to sign a waiver for the attendees of the beach fire.
  • The permittee must be on site at all times during scheduled time listed on permit.

As the permittee, do I have the obligation to be on-site at all times during the beach fire?

  • Yes, the permittee must be on site at all times during the scheduled time listed on the Permit. The permittee will be responsible for all individuals attending the beach fire activity and will be expected to sign a waiver for the attendees of the beach fire.
  • The approved beach fire permit must be presented upon request from a Fire Official or Law Enforcement Officer

How many people can attend a beach fire in Melbourne Beach?

  • The maximum number of attendees allowed at a recreational beach fire in the Town of Melbourne Beach is limited to 20 individuals. (Children under the age of 16 do not count towards the maximum number of attendees.)
  • This permit does not allow for large activities, special events open to the public, or for activities that include vendors, amplified music, entertainment, or other activities that the Town of Melbourne Beach may consider as outside of the permit scope.

What type of wood / material can I use to fuel a beach fire?

  • Beach fires must be fueled only by commercially purchased seasoned dry firewood or
    artificial logs. NO EXCEPTIONS!

    • The use of beach driftwood, lumber, plywood, pallets, creosote treated lumber, glue
      impregnated material, plastic, foam, rubber, household trash, trees, Christmas trees or any
      wood that is painted, has nails, pressure treated, or such is PROHIBITED.  Any violations
      found will result in immediate revocation of permit and the fire will be immediately
      extinguished. In addition, violators may be subject to penalties, up to and including fines,
      cleanup costs, total loss of deposit, and denial of future beach fire permits.
    • Vegetation or materials located within the beach park or on the beach are not allowed to
      be taken, damaged, or used as material to burn. Any violations may be subject to criminal
      penalties.
  • The use of flammable and/or combustible liquids to ignite or fuel fires is prohibited.
    • A solid fire starter must be used to ignite the fire.

Are there any size limitations for the beach fire?

  • Beach fires shall not exceed three (3) feet in flame height and must remain inside the supplied fire ring.  Anything greater shall be considered a bonfire, which is prohibited.

What materials am I responsible for and what will be provided?

  • The Town of Melbourne Beach will provide the following materials to the permittee:
    • Metal Trash Can (for fire pit cleanup)
    • Shovel
    • Rake
    • Fire Ring
  • The permittee is responsible to provide
    • Their own starter (A solid fire starter must be used to ignite the fire.)
    • Their own wood (Commercially purchased seasoned dry firewood or artificial logs ONLY)

 

  • NOTE: Vehicles are not allowed on the beach and all material must be hand carried to the site.

Is alcohol allowed at a beach fire?

  • Yes, but consumption of alcoholic beverages is restricted to the beach (No alcohol consumption is permitted on the crossovers or in the park)
  • No glass containers are allowed on the beach.

Can I have music at my beach fire?

  • Yes, non-amplified music is allowed as long as it is at low levels and in compliance with the Town’s noise ordinance.
  • Amplified music is not permitted and requires a special event permit in addition to the beach fire permit.

During what times are beach fires permitted in the Town of Melbourne Beach?

  • Beach fires are allowed, by permit only, from 5:00 pm – 11:00 pm.
    • All beach fires must be fully extinguished by 11:00 p.m.
  • Upon completion of beach fire, the fire must be completely extinguished and fully cleaned prior to leaving the beach fire site.

Who is responsible for cleaning up the beach fire site?

  • The permittee is solely responsible for extinguishment and clean-up of their beach fire.
    • Fires must be thoroughly extinguished, cooled down, and fully cleaned up prior to your departure.
    • A Town supplied metal container is to be used for removal of any leftover material and/or ash.
      • LEFTOVER MATERIAL AND/OR ASH SHALL NOT BE BURIED IN THE SAND, THROWN IN THE OCEAN, OR PLACED IN PLASTIC GARBAGE RECEPTACLES AT THE BEACH.
    • Beach fire sites will be inspected post cleanup. Failure to clean the site will result in a total loss of
      deposit, and permit holder may be banned from future beach fires.

What are the weather conditions that may require my beach fire permit to be canceled?

  • The Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) has the authority to prohibit any or all open fires when atmospheric conditions or local circumstances make such fires hazardous.  Additionally, where either State and/or Local executives declare special requirements or regulations regarding the use of any form of fire, no fires shall be kindled.
  • Unsuitable wind or weather conditions should be taken into consideration prior to and during the time of the permitted beach fire.
  • If unsuitable conditions are forecasted and the permit must be canceled, the Town of Melbourne Beach will contact the permittee at the contact phone number provided.
  • Due to unpredictable wind and weather conditions that may arise, the Town of Melbourne Beach has the right to cancel the permitted activity and/or request extinguishment of the beach fire at any time.
  • Anytime the State or County has issued a red flag warning, or when Forestry’s KBDI (drought index) scale exceeds 500 points, no permits will be issued and all existing permits will be canceled. CHECK CURRENT KBDI HERE 
  • For cancellations made by the Town of Melbourne Beach based on these conditions, the Town may issue a refund or offer another day to the permittee as an option.
  • Should the permittee cancel their event for any reason, other than for severe weather or safety-related issues, refunds may not be issued, so please plan your activity accordingly.

Who can I contact if I have additional questions?

  • If you have any further questions about obtaining a beach fire permit, please contact Communications Specialist Cyd Cardwell with the Town of Melbourne Beach.
    • Phone: (321)724-5860
    • Email: Office@MelbourneBeachFL.org

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