Student bonfire organizers react to Texas A&M tradition possibly returning to campus
COLLEGE STATION, Texas (KBTX) – For nearly two decades, student bonfire has continued on in the spirit of Aggie Bonfire, moving the century-old tradition off-campus.
A Texas A&M committee took up the idea of bringing Bonfire back to campus after the tragic collapse in 1999 brought the tradition to an end. Students created an off-campus bonfire, unaffiliated with the university, a few years later.
Part of the university’s settlement agreement with the families of the victims included a commitment to professional oversight, such as the help of a private construction company, if the tradition were to ever return to campus.
Student bonfire board chair Dion McInnis said the work of the students is what makes the tradition, not the fire itself.
“It’s important that bonfire is led and executed by students. That is the primary importance. It’s not a fire, it’s not a rabble-rousing night. It’s the process of building bonfire,” he said.
Student bonfire leaders said they’re unsure of where this could put their organization. Mason Taylor, a senior redpot, said they work to make sure student bonfire is safe.
“We’ve had talks with several structural engineers from around the area and people that we know well, so they’ve kind of revised our stack plans throughout the year,” he said.
According to Taylor, engineers sit on the five-member board, who advise students as they build the structure.
“Every single one of our logs touches the ground, as has been cited in a couple different articles is the safest way to do it,” Taylor said.
McInnis said their preparations for this year’s student bonfire are already well underway. He wants the tradition to remain in the hands of the students.
“Speaking for generations of Aggies, the first couple that I led and everyone that’s come after, it was a tremendous honor, I think, to their efforts and their leadership and their execution of this incredible tradition,” he said.
This year’s student bonfire is set to burn Nov. 23.
