Pollution Spurs Ban on Pregame Bonfires

A fiery Kern County tradition that has long stoked the emotions of two rival football teams may be snuffed out for good -- the victim of modern air-quality regulations.

Generations of Shafter and Wasco high school students and their boosters have enjoyed the bonfires on the Thursday night before their annual matchup.

This year, however, the Kern County Fire Department interrupted the tradition in Shafter moments before the fire was to start. Officials said the school lacked a permit from the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District.

The valley is considered one of the nation’s most polluted air basins.

The department’s action has set off fierce grumbling among tradition-minded residents. Bob Kard, the air quality district’s director of compliance, said, “We try to reduce open burning to what’s absolutely necessary.”