By José Antonio Pérez
Despite being prohibited on the beach, there has been a 700% increase in campfires along the shore, reported Luis César García González, Federal Maritime Land Zone Coordinator (ZOFEMAT). Those lighting campfires on the beach can be subject to fines.
The ZOFEMAT coordinator noted the increase in campfires is possibly due to lower temperatures, adding rather than coming across campfire remnants on a weekly basis they have now detected at least one campfire daily.
Beach campfires are concerning for authorities due to their impact on the marine environment. ZOFEMAT personnel spend time daily picking up charcoal pieces left from fires. The remnants are picked up by hand one by one, with the goal of halting further contamination along the beach while preventing the pieces from reaching the sea.
While there is signage posted to deter campfires, enforcement of fines as outlined by Municipal Ordinances is becoming more necessary particularly as Puerto Peñasco strives to maintain and expand clean beach certification.