Fire Danger Status Knocks Out Traditional Rockville HS Bonfire

VERNON, CT — The Red Flag Alert regarding open fires imposed by state officials has put the kibosh on a longstanding tradition at Rockville High School — the bonfire after the powder puff football game.

"Unfortunately, we car canceling the bonfire that was supposed to follow the powder puff game this Wednesday, due to the current drought conditions," RHS Principal Jason Magao said in a letter to the school community sent Monday.

The bonfire is a tradition at RHS that is traditionally overseen by the Vernon Fire Department.

But the Red Flag status takes priority over any professional precautions.

"Connecticut is currently under an extreme fire danger rating for Tolland County and surrounding counties," the fire department said in a social media post. "With low humidity, dry ground cover, and gusty winds fires start quickly, spread rapidly and burn intensely. A simple cigarette butt or ashes that are improperly disposed of can quickly develop into a large fire."