Why fire and beaches don’t mix: Driftwood damage at Lowman

| West Seattle beaches | West Seattle fires | West Seattle news

Thanks to the texter who sent that photo from Lowman Beach, where what they describe as “upsetting” damage has just been done to its longstanding driftwood stack, upon which many a sunset viewer has sat, many a child has climbed. The Seattle Fire 911 log shows a one-engine “illegal burn” callout around quarter to 6 this morning (and just as we were about to publish this, an investigation callback minutes ago). For obvious reasons – all underscored by this photo – fires are only allowed in approved fire pits on Seattle beaches, and in West Seattle, Alki Beach is the only place you’ll find those (some still flout the rules, and “illegal burn” calls on the 911 log are not uncommon).

flimflam July 2, 2016 (8:08 am)

I imagine someone did this on purpose – fire rings or no fire rings. so dumb.

Brenda July 2, 2016 (8:17 am)

Homeless are on are beaches now starting fires. There have been many calls already to put them out.

WSB July 2, 2016 (8:35 am)

LBN – Is that a legal fire pit placed by Parks? Though Lowman has long been my favorite beach, I haven’t been there in a while, mostly because of the construction. I don’t recall having seen a fire ring there (except for the Christmas ship visit).

Brenda – I don’t know if there’ll be a written report on this available on Tuesday (we’ll of course ask), but please note, while people experiencing homelessness seem to be getting the blame for all sorts of problems, police have said at recent community meetings that’s not what they’re finding. The crime suspects whose arrests we’ve covered have addresses and homes 95 percent of the time. Regarding beach fires, most of the illegal burn calls are on Alki; we hear the scanner traffic, and the “illegal burn” calls are almost always people partying and ignoring the rules, rather than somebody trying to stay warm. – TR

LowmanBeachNeighbor July 2, 2016 (8:19 am)

Although it is hard to tell from the photo, there is a single fire pit up on the seawall

Brenda July 2, 2016 (8:44 am)

Oh I was referring to specific calls – by the ferry dock. Last week.

miws July 2, 2016 (8:44 am)

Thank you for your response to Brenda, WSB. I was going to ask her to post her video(s) corroborating her statement.

Mike

Toby G. July 2, 2016 (8:53 am)

The fire department is just now leaving from the call back. Here is a pic now, from the north. Yes, there is a fire pit. No, this was not from that. The helpful fire crew had to chainsaw out some still hot wood and sprayed it all down for a bit.

I was the caller for this one and have been here the whole time. They used thermal imaging to check it out as well. Nice work Seattle Fire Department! Thanks.

WSB July 2, 2016 (8:57 am)

Thank you. We were going to go check if the second call was still open when my photographer is available shortly … appreciate the update.

Message July 2, 2016 (9:17 am)

95%? Is that a guess, or a real stat?

JanS July 2, 2016 (4:24 pm)

so…you’re only concerned that the editor may be wrong (or right), but
no comment about the subject (the fire) at all? So…what if it’s only
90% of the time? Does that make a difference to you?

anonyme July 2, 2016 (9:47 am)

Open fires should be banned on beaches, and everywhere else. Neanderthals may be extinct, but their close cousins are not.

Ssf July 2, 2016 (10:01 am)

That’s really unfortunate someone would be that irresponsible since there is a fire pit right there. We’ve used that firepit a few times this year.

Trileigh July 2, 2016 (11:28 am)

Gosh, this makes me mad. To destroy/damage such a wonderful public natural area for one’s own little fun. Thanks to the fire crew for minimizing the damage.

PNWestSeattle July 2, 2016 (12:19 pm)

I’m sick and tired of the a–holes that ignore signs that say no fires and no dogs allowed on beaches. Why doesn’t anyone enforce the dogs on beaches laws? Everyday I see so many people ignoring this? What’s the point of the signs/laws if no one enforces it?

Joe Dirt July 2, 2016 (12:58 pm)

Exactly. For dogs, maybe bug Animal Control whenever you see dogs on beaches / play areas or off leash anywhere else.

(206) 386-7387
pupsarebest July 2, 2016 (10:34 pm)

I more than agree with you on the topic of unleashed dogs, particularly on the beach.

As a dog owner/lovef, I rarely encounter others who seem to comprehend and/or follow the laws clearly spelled out on the signs.

Sick of the arrogance of scofflaws, sick of the clearly stated law never being enforced.

I would be interested in knowing: how often are these lawbreakers actually cited?

We might as well give up the charade of “animal control”, eliminate the supposed position(s), and save some taxpayer money.
- G Man July 3, 2016 (7:11 am)
  
  Speaking of vandalism, anyone notice all the graffiti on the seawall across from me kwa mook park? So sick of everyone saying dogs are the problem, I pick up trash in this area all the time, not from dogs, but from humans who use the beach as a public trash can, people are disgusting

Rick July 2, 2016 (12:28 pm)

Our society’s prevalent and growing sense of entitlement.

mrTeacher July 2, 2016 (2:54 pm)

So this is now about dogs and not about this horrible fire? Entitlement? Maybe. Lack of readily availabdog parks…definately! I have an old dog who I never trusted off leash, but I do “get” why people are frustrated on both sides of the dog on beach/off leash situation. Doesn’t mean I am a doggie-rule scofflaw, for those who will go on the attack, just means I see both sides.

Seattle Sinner July 2, 2016 (9:41 pm)

I’m sure this is unrelated. I saw someone sawing driftwood and putting
pieces in their car as I was kayaking there last week. Does anyone know
if it’s illegal to collect driftwood off the beach?

WSB July 2, 2016 (9:44 pm)

Yes, it is illegal: http://www.seattle.gov/parks/faq.htm#Q33

Question July 2, 2016 (11:09 pm)

Any word on when the sea wall will be fixed though? This park is in shambles

WSB July 2, 2016 (11:15 pm)

It was addressed at the last Morgan Community Association meeting. Short answer, doesn’t seem to be imminent.

https://westseattleblog.com/2016/04/morgan-community-association-park-expansion-festival-update-lowmans-future-more/

JO July 3, 2016 (1:56 pm)

Walked through Me Kwa Mooks upper trails today. Garbage all over the place and 2 illegal/impromptu fire pits that were recently used. This is up among trees with downed branches and dry groundcover. It’s dangerous and makes me so angry! Its not homeless people, it’s younger people who’ve found a ‘safe’, private spot to hangout and party. I pickup glass, garbage cigarette butts, cans, but there’s only so much my doggie bags can hold. The damage to our green spaces lately is disheartening and our (seeming) inability to stop it is upsetting. I’ve sent pictures to the community policing office but there doesn’t seem to be resources to give the park, and the upper trails consistent attention.

anonyme July 4, 2016 (4:05 pm)

All of this is so disheartening. We live in one of the most beautiful places on earth, yet so many of our species seem hell bent on destroying it. I guess that should come as no surprise, given what our species has done to the planet in general.

Sorry, comment time is over.