Safety concerns prompt changes to Dartmouth bonfire

HANOVER, N.H. (AP) — An annual homecoming bonfire that attracts thousands to Dartmouth College will be shorter, squatter and safer this year.

In June, the town of Hanover said it would not approve a permit for the three-story fire, citing the risk that the structure could collapse and cause injuries and concerns about drunken and dangerous student behavior. The college created a working group to propose changes, which recently were approved by the town.

College officials say the bonfire that will be lit Oct. 26 will be shorter by several feet.