Huntington Beach backs bill to reduce fire pit and BBQ liability
The Huntington Beach City Council is supporting a state Senate bill that would relieve cities of liability when people are injured by beach fire pits or public barbecue grills.
Mayor Barbara Delgleize sent copies of a letter to California state senators John Moorlach (R-Costa Mesa) and Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) last week on behalf of the council, endorsing SB 720 and asking the two officials to support it as well.
The letter says the council voted unanimously in favor of the bill, which was introduced by state Sen. Ben Allen (D-Santa Monica) on Feb. 17.
It says the city is a prime tourist destination and the fire pits are particularly popular with visitors, but they can be dangerous when not used properly.
“There are times where users of these fire pits operate them in an unsafe and reckless manner and act irresponsibly around the fire pits even though the city takes necessary steps to warn of potential hazards and, as we do in Huntington Beach, clean out the fire pits every night,” the letter says.
It goes on to say the city has to endure “costly litigation and/or settlements” following some injuries.
SB 720 would eliminate the city’s liability for injuries sustained “as a result of a fire or the remnants of a fire” from fire pits, rings, circles or barbecue grills located in parks or on beaches.
According to the letter, existing laws “immunize” cities from being sued for injuries caused by “a natural condition of unimproved property, such as a beach, despite the presence or absence of safety services such as lifeguards and beach cleanup services.” But, it adds, injuries caused by fire pits and barbecues have left cities open to lawsuits.
“SB 720 is a needed piece of public policy that removes the city and public entities from costly liability and allows these monies to be put to better use,” the letter says.
Twitter: @benbrazilpilot
