Trees on quad could not burn

I arose last Thursday morning with much joy in my heart following the epic basketball win over the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

This merriment was soon doused with the wet news that the celebratory bonfire was cut short. While I cannot dispute whether various strictures were violated, I do take issue with the misplaced fear that encouraged the call to the fire department.

The Chronicle cites Leonora Minai as stating that officials feared the fire would burn the trees. This apprehension, must be allayed for the sake of future bonfires.

According to a fire ecologist at the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, it is nearly impossible for an oak tree, barren of leaves—as those currently lining the quads have been reported—to burn from such a fire.

The fire would most likely not effect the tree at all and at most and least it would kill the tree. The concern for Duke’s trees is admirable, but a greater degree of knowledge pertaining to fire and its effects on the genus “Quercus” would be advisable to prevent future misconceptions.

Kevin Ogorzalek

Trinity ’04