Fire and ice

Tradition and scrap lumber fuel a winter bonfire, By John Church Ogdensburg — A crowd of approximately 150 people gathered at Heater’s Pond in Ogdensburg Saturday night for the 52nd ceremonial bonfire. Moderate temperature, little wind, hot chocolate and a fire fueled by scrap lumber and 200 Christmas trees kept the spectators warm. “This event brings the community together for ice skating, hot chocolate and to meet new friends,” said Jamie Wottle, Ogdensburg Fire Chief. He deemed the gathering “a good crowd.” There were a few skaters but most of the crowd carefully walked across the pond to get closer to the pile of trees and lumber. The crowd acted as a human thermometer as it moved back when the fire reached its peak and moved closer again as the fire died down. The trees were collected by the Public Works and Fire Departments. “After the fire dies down we’ll leave a crew to keep an eye on it until it is completely out,” said Wottle that evening. “Tuesday the Public Works Department will come by with a loader and pick up what is left.”