City Budget’s Got Fire Pits Covered

The bonfires, barbeques and roasted marshmallows by the beach will not go away anytime soon.

San Diego can now afford to take care of its beach fire pits.

City leaders announced Tuesday there is money to maintain the city’s beach fire pits this year thanks to a budget surplus.

"These fire pits are a symbol of something bigger," Councilmember Sherri Lightner said. "Once again they affirm what is special and unique about this city. They now prove something just as important - our financial recovery is truly heating up."

It is the first time in more than three years that the city will not rely on private donations or foundation money for the maintenance of the popular fire rings.

Mayor Jerry Sanders said savings from structural reforms and rising revenues have allowed the city to build up a surplus of about $16.5 million.

In 2008, city crews removed the fire pits because the city had no money to keep them.

Since then, private donors and foundations have contributed thousands of dollars to save the pits.

Some of these foundations include: the San Diego Foundation, San Diego Convention and Visitors Bureau and La Jolla Community Foundation.