A revelation about environmental stewardship kindled the creation of BluLite Bonfires, a San Diego company that curates bonfire experiences in the city’s beautiful beach areas. Instead of using wood to fuel the company’s events, founders Rey Contreras and Doch Ramirez have turned to relying on cleaner-burning propane with its signature blue flame (hence the company’s name), as well as embracing other eco-friendly practices. As Hispanic Heritage Month arrives, the two talk about what led them to launch BluLite — a member of the SDTA’s 2024 Tourism Accelerator Program cohort — as well as how they celebrate their heritage and where they go to experience the best of San Diego.
Q: Tell us a little about yourself and what inspired you to launch your business — as well as why you felt San Diego was the right place to do so.
A: Our journey began in the summer of 2019 with wood-burning bonfire experiences, creating cherished moments for both locals and tourists. However, the onset of the pandemic the following year prompted a profound shift in our perspective.
Observing the newfound pristine condition of our local shorelines during months of minimal human activity, the BluLite brothers recognized an opportunity for positive change. This transformative moment ignited our vision to pioneer cleaner, brighter bonfires that would be enjoyed responsibly for years to come.
In response to community concerns about unsafe bonfire practices and the environmental impact of traditional materials, we committed ourselves to innovation. By replacing firewood with propane tanks and adopting eco-conscious substitutes for other bonfire amenities, we strive to create beach experiences that not only leave lasting memories but also contribute to the improvement and sustainability of our beach community.
Q: What is your recommended must-try experience for BluLite customers, and what does it come with?
A: Our most popular bonfire experience has to be the 360-degree seating experience. We clean up (sift the sand and remove contaminants) an event space of 40 feet by 40 feet to ensure the cleanest bonfire space possible. Our team then carefully uses the sand to create a breathtaking full-circle seating area that brings a group of about 25 people together in a harmonious event space. Our clean-burning propane bonfire pits eliminate the smoke and need to add more fuel to the fire. The event space brings friends, family and our community together in a magical way. Each of our bonfire experiences uses solar accent lights, and we provide a classic s’mores package to bring back the nostalgia of the traditional bonfire experience.
Q: What are a few of your local favorites within your neighborhood?
A: Our company has partnered with an amazing organization called Purpose First Beach Cleanups. We host monthly events that include beach yoga, a beach cleanup, live music and fun activities, finishing with a complimentary beach bonfire. Once the event is complete, we all head over to a local restaurant, Union Kitchen & Tap, to celebrate a job well done with some incredible food and drinks.
Q: For those who use your services, what are a few surrounding things that would be interesting to do?
A: Our beach bonfires are set up at some of the most popular locations. You have to make sure and check out Crystal Pier for incredible views of Pacific Beach. Swing by Belmont Park and ride the wooden roller coaster, then grab a bite at one of the dozens of incredible restaurants nearby.
Q: Locally, where do you go to connect with your heritage?
A: The most popular neighborhood to connect with our heritage is Barrio Logan. This historic area highlights incredible artwork, food, music and events that help keep us connected with our heritage.
Q: For someone coming to San Diego for the first time, what would you encourage them to do? (Besides experiencing your business, of course!)
A: Make sure to stop by the Ocean Beach Farmers Market every Wednesday night for an incredible and vibrant experience.
Q: What do you think would most surprise a newcomer to San Diego?
A: How easily accessible most of our neighborhoods are by public transportation. The city has done an incredible job of connecting our neighborhoods using all forms of public transportation. Make sure to take the San Diego Trolley to the downtown area and catch a Padres game at Petco Park.
Q: Looking forward, what makes you excited about growing your business in San Diego?
A: We get the incredible opportunity to create memories for so many families, both locals and visitors alike. We look forward to cleaning up our shorelines and being an asset to our city in the best way possible.