LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Fire pit ban would cost California

OPINION:

“California to ban fire” (Comment and Analysis, May 24) discusses the proposed fire ban being talked about in the “eco-friendly” state of California. Under this proposed law, the South Coast Air Quality Management District is debating whether to remove 850 bonfire pits from the Los Angeles and Orange County areas in order to make the air cleaner in the state’s major cities.

But several other factors contribute to the “dirty air” in our big cities; fire is only the fourth-leading cause of emissions in California, behind road dust and industrial processes. Fires have been a part of human life since the time of the cavemen. It provides us with heat, a means of cooking food and a source of light when outdoors after dark. The small benefit provided to our environment by banning fires is overshadowed by these priceless activities and practical uses that fire provides for us on a daily basis.

Travel spending in California directly supported 893,000 jobs, with earnings of $30.4 billion. Travel spending generated the greatest number of jobs in arts, entertainment and recreation (221,000 jobs), accommodations and food service (523,000 jobs). The fire pits on countless beaches in California are staples of the allure for tourists, and by banning these fire pits California could potentially lose money in one of its biggest economic sectors.

So let’s appreciate the discovery given to us by our cavemen brothers and keep the fires burning in California and the rest of the United States.

ANDREW KALLMAN

Omaha, Neb.