Police and fire officials in Morgantown are bracing for the worst this weekend — fiery celebrations that could follow a West Virginia victory over Duke.
Mountaineer fans are notorious for celebrating big victories by setting sofas and other furniture ablaze on city streets. The practice became rampant in the late 1990s and early 2000s, with officials counting 1,129 intentionally set street fires. There were a reported 100 fires in the city after a 2003 football victory over Virginia Tech, which was ranked No. 3 at the time.
Officials are urging fans to be on their best behavior.
"I'm just being very cautious and hoping folks realize we want the spotlight to shine on the team, the state and the city, for all the right reasons," police chief Phil Scott said.
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