Each year, the Ashby (Mass.) Fire-EMS Association proudly hosts a bonfire — and the 2025 event was no exception.

Planning kicked off all back in January, when the Bonfire Committee, made up of association members and local volunteers, got to work. From securing food vendors and live entertainment to organizing parking, safety logistics, and sourcing thousands of pallets, every detail was handled.

Then came the build. 

Over the course of four days, the Ashby Fire Department constructed the massive 58-foot-tall structure. It wasn’t just a matter of stacking wood — it was about engineering a safe, stable, and awe-inspiring display. 

Firefighters also laid out hose lines, staged equipment, and prepared the site to ensure that everything would go smmothly.

When the July 3 finally arrived, it was a full community effort. Guests were greeted at the gates by members of the Ashby Fire Department, and the field quickly came alive with excitement.  Local vendors lined up offering food, drinks, and handcrafted goods. Kids ran through the grass with glow sticks, music filled the air, and families gathered with lawn chairs and blankets.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, the crowd gathered in anticipation. With cheers from the crowd and support from all sides, the bonfire was lit — a breathtaking blaze that symbolized months of dedication and a community coming together.

— July 23, 2025–