Student Bonfire's Burn in jeopardy due to Robertson County burn ban

On Tuesday afternoon, a meeting will be held to decide whether the current Robertson County burn ban will be lifted so that Student Bonfire's Burn night can take place as scheduled. Mason Taylor and Dion McInnis joined TexAgs Live to discuss the matter ahead of the decision.

Key notes from Dion McInnis interview

• Student Bonfire has been motivating. It has been motivating to see the people come in, but the thing that has been the most motivating for me is I recognize that many people came in because of Texas. They get in, go to a couple of cuts and fall in love with it. Even as we look at this burn ban, that motivation has hanged. It's a fun thing to do before we beat the hell out of Texas. But people's love for Bonfire in this community makes you realize what it's really about. It has been awesome to watch that transformation in every Aggie that attends.
   
• I had nine groomsmen because I couldn't figure out how many of my Bonfire buddies I could fit in. It becomes something that follows you your whole life. We've got special operators in the community who say they're still trying to find something as hard as participating in and leading Bonfire. It is transformational, and it's just extraordinary. Although some things have changed over the years, the constant is that community and brotherhood find challenges and introduce each other to each other's potential. It's an outstanding thing, so in that way, it's the same. Everything else down to the core is the same.
   
• The burn ban in Robertson County and Brazos County is the same. They reach the Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI). It's a product of Texas A&M and a data-driven model that is an index of how dry it is, how dry it has been and how much combustible material is on the ground.
   
• Right now, Robertson County and all surrounding counties are in very high fire danger. It is not a good situation. Using the Texas Forest Service's advice, Robertson County has 575 as the threshold KBDI to be considered safe. They are well over that number. They will have a meeting this afternoon, and they will decide whether to lift the burn ban. All the respect in the world for Robertson County, and 575 is the number. If the number is over 575, it is unsafe for the people in that community. Frankly, we are close to Brazos County. It is unsafe to burn anything, especially a four-story tall, thousand-ton structure.
   
• The precedent if the burn ban is not lifted and something that we have done a few times before is the stack side has opened up. People can come out and look and walk around. I am telling you, it is a unique feel. The first time that we did that, I was just blown away. People hang out, compare notes across generations, take pictures, and bring a picnic blanket. Eventually, in the spring, when that number gets to a safe level and all of the Aggie students are back, we want to ensure that every Aggie that participated in or is interested can see it burn.
   
• We'll let everyone know and have TexAgs streaming it live. Everyone will have the opportunity to experience Bonfire.

Key notes from Mason Taylor interview

• With the Texas game back, it has been a pretty big season for us. That means a lot more resources coming in and recognizing that we are here. We got cut class back in Rudder Auditorium for the first time in 25 years. We have had a great cut season and stack season. This will be one of the largest fires in 25 years.
   
• There is a different energy. There are a lot more fish and participants. People walk right up and ask how they can get involved. We get tons of emails and phone calls. That comes from the student body and former students.
   
• Bonfire is about building the fire and the community that builds the fire. It is incredible to hear some of the stories from the old guys. The Bonfire is different, but the process, smells and look are all still the same. You get close to the people around you. You are working hard to build this thing, and it is an experience like no other. Not many college students spend their Monday morning driving a semi-truck down Highway 6 or fixing a tractor. You get to teach people new skills. Through those lessons and hard work, the community gets built up. It is an unbreakable bond you can't find anywhere else.
   
• It's important to remember that even though the Bonfire is in a low spot, embers can be found five to 10 miles away. Fires were being fought five miles out even after days of rain and one of the wettest seasons last year. It spreads a lot.