Police turning up heat on illegal barbecuing on beach

Don’t spark that match or dump those coals just yet. Newport Beach police are teaming up with the city’s fire department, general services, recreation and senior services, lifeguards, harbor resources and code enforcement to keep beaches beautiful.

Newport is launching an education and enforcement campaign to keep beachgoers from cooking or using an open flame outside of the designated fire rings placed on a special section of beaches, officials said.

Police have begun placing signs stating that cooking is prohibited and that officials will step up enforcement. The program begins in the spring, but authorities at Corona del Mar’s main beach already have signs up. Officials are concerned with trash and safety, they said. Hot coals trashed in sand could burn an unsuspecting visitor. Continual violations could lead to a citation with a fine, police said.

— Joseph Serna