by Gregory J. Haugevik

In the wake of the ill-fated Homecoming bonfire at Massapequa High School last month, the Massapequa School Board, and school and fire department officials are reviewing the incident and plan to meet to set up guidelines, if needed, for the future.

According to Massapequa Fire Department Commissioner Mike Hanna, the details of the accident, in which three firefighters were hurt, are still being reviewed.

"We are waiting as a safety committee looks at the tapes and reports of the bonfire," said Hanna.

The meeting, will be scheduled when the investigation is complete.

Hanna acknowledged, however, that there was a "misjudgment," when a lit flare caused gasoline to ignite, leading to a subsequent explosion. Three firefighters were injured in that incident, one seriously, but are recovering.

"One has gone back to full duty, the second will soon be back, and the third has returned (from the hospital) home," said Hanna.

The fire investigation is under the jurisdiction of the local department, said the Nassau County Fire Marshal's office.

Massapequa Schools Superintendent Dr. Lawrence Pereira said there was nothing out of the norm about this year’s bonfire. "Like any other year, we had the cooperation and supervision of the fire department, staff, and parent volunteers," said he said.

The school is not required to apply for or receive any special permits to host the bonfire. "The fire department sets up what is required," said Massapequa School spokesman Bob Schilling.

Dr. Pereira added: "The bonfire is a building based activity that is part of homecoming that the School Board approves."

Despite the event, there continues to be strong support for holding the bonfires at future homecoming events. Carla DiSimone of the Massapequa PTSA said, "we’re terribly sorry for what happened, but we hope the students don’t lose the bonfire."