Two weeks ago, a ravaging fire destroyed the place that so many of us love and spend time at. The Cupsogue Park Boardwalk on Dune Road was wiped out by an inferno that lasted for more than seven hours.

On Saturday, September 13th, at 8:04 PM, a call was made from a witness who reported a fire at the Cupsogue Beach Snack Bar. Fireman Mario Mendoza said that there is no indication of what started the fire, but he does know that “the concession stand was open earlier in the day and closed due to bad weather.” Due to the high winds and bad weather, the fire was very difficult to control and engulfed much more of the boardwalk than it would have without the wind.

When asked if there were plans to rebuild, Mr. Mendoza says that, “they might have a temporary structure by next summer, but within the next 18 months, they should have it completed.”

Sophomore Bridget Sullivan, an avid Cupsogue beach-goer and camper, does not think that it will feel the same going back to Cupsogue, even after it is rebuilt. She said, “knowing that it burnt down will always be in the back of my mind when I go there.”

However, junior Devin Laube and senior Harrison Aponte, who also spend time at Cupsogue in the summer, think that it will always be the same. The advice they gave is to just move on, and try to forget about it. They’re happy, “as long as the big, juicy baked clams are still delicious.”