By Christopher Haraden

Because of the heightened risk for fires due to the dry weather conditions, Hull’s annual Thanksgiving bonfire has been postponed.

**THE FIRE NEXT TIME**. Crews have been assembling a pile of wooden pallets on the Hull Redevelopment Authority property in anticipation of the annual Thanksgiving bonfire. However, risks from the state’s severe drought have prompted a postponement of the event until weather conditions improve. [Richard W. Green photo]

In a statement posted online Wednesday morning, Fire Chief Chris Russo cited the continuing drought and hazardous conditions across the state as the reasons for the delay. Wildfires across Eastern Massachusetts have been burning in several communities during the past few weeks, clouding the local atmosphere with smoky conditions.

“We are all aware of the current dry weather which has brought drought and hazardous conditions to the entire state, including the currently active North Shore wildland fires,” Russo said. “Unfortunately, the risk posed by these continuing conditions will have a local impact. After careful consideration, a longstanding Hull Thanksgiving Day tradition, the annual bonfire, is being postponed.”

Russo said he understood the community’s affinity for the bonfire, which is traditionally held on the Hull Redevelopment Authority’s property after dark on Thanksgiving Day, but concerns about safety are top priority. The HRA last week had approved holding the fire for Thursday, November 28, and crews already were piling wooden pallets on the property.

The tradition began in the 1960s as a way to build on the community spirit of Hull High’s football rivalry with neighboring Cohasset. The first bonfires were held at the Dust Bowl playground at Pemberton and later moved to the HRA site after the land was cleared of homes and businesses in the 1970s. This year’s football game will be held in Cohasset at 10 a.m. on Thanksgiving morning, November 28.

“While I recognized that this news will come as a disappointment to many in the community, as Hull’s fire chief, decisions in the best interest of public safety must come first and foremost,” he said. “This decision is supported by all department leadership who prepare well in advance to manage this event in the safest possible way each and every year.”

Russo said he will stay in contact with the town manager, police, public works, and light departments to select a new date when weather conditions are more favorable.

“As a resident, I believe this annual Thanksgiving Day tradition brings the community together, much like the football game and the gift of friends and family that we celebrate each Thanksgiving, most of which will remain unchanged,” the chief said. “The town is committed to rescheduling this cherished tradition and will do so in resilient Hull fashion. Stay tuned for the new date!”

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