The forecast calls for some sunshine this weekend, but before you go rushing off to the beach, maybe even to walk barefoot in the sand – consider the story of Mike Daigle‘s disturbing discovery on Alki last weekend, which led him to share what is both a reminder and a warning:

Just as a reminder to everyone who loves to play on and enjoy Alki Beach. Beach fires are required to be confined to the metal “rings” on the west end of the beach. Starting a fire outside of the rings is a violation of Parks Department rules but has much deeper consequences then a fine. (Last Saturday) I checked out a few black spots in the sand where fires had been started outside the rings. I found about 100 rusty nails in a 2’x2’ area where someone had been burning scrap wood. We got most of them up but I’m sure more remain. I have a message in to the Parks Department and I am awaiting a reply.

Besides rusty nails in the sand, fires outside the rings usually result in hot coals being buried just below the surface. These hot coals smolder for hours and days awaiting a poor soul to step into it and burn their foot. Another likely scenario is a child digging in the sand and burning a hand. Even in the rings, as per Seattle Fire Code, you are not allowed to burn anything other than clean cord wood. No scrap wood, no garbage, no melting glass bottles in the hot coals. The Seattle Fire Department has publications with more information. Here is the link.

*Keep it in the rings
*Keep it clean wood
*Keep a bucket of water nearby

Here’s even more information – via the city Parks Department’s page about Alki Beach fire pits.