Football bonfire shut down after fights

School district officials are investigating fights that broke out Wednesday night during the annual bonfire at Easton Area High School in Palmer Township.

The bonfire took place before Thursday’s Easton-Phillipsburg football game at Lafayette College.

Palmer Township Patrolman James Alercia said Thursday that police working the event learned of at least one large fight near the bonfire not long after the 6:30 p.m. event began. Officers maneuvered through the large crowd to break up the fight involving two juveniles, a girl who was found to be unconscious.

“Due to the extremely large crowds, and this being the second fight of the evening, for the safety of all individuals attending the event, the determination was made to terminate the event and instruct all individuals to leave the property,” Alercia said.

Palmer police were assisted by officers from Wilson, Forks and Bethlehem townships in dispersing the crowd, Alercia said. The injured teen was taken to a local hospital for her injuries, he said.

Any charges would be filed through the Easton Area School District police, according to Alercia. The head of the school district police did not return a message seeking comment.