The Big Game Bonfire

The Big Game Bonfire has a colorful tradition on campus. It started in 1898 and has occurred almost every year since. Like all Big Game traditions, the Bonfire offers one more chance for Berkeley raiders to show their spirit by attempting to sabotage the fire. One year, they even attempted an aerial incendiary attack!

Here are the details and accounts of the Bonfire Tradition:

• 1898
  • Bonfire Begins

• 1911
  • Bonfire Held in Inner Quad

• 18 November 1921
  • California Planes Make Two Attempts to Ignite Bonfire Incendiary Bombing Run Unsuccessful!

• 18 November 1953
  • Roble Women Began Big Game Bonfire Tradition

• 13 November 1967
  • Axe Comm Plans Rallies, R.F.'s For Big Game Week

• November 1976
  • Two People Injured In Bonfire Building Process

• 1977
  • Bonfire Cancelled By Administration Over Air Quality and Safety Concerns

• 21 November 1985
  • The Bonfire Returns to Lake Lagunita

• 8 October 1993
  • Bonfire Temporarily Suspended by Axe Committee over Concerns for Tiger Salamander