Georgia fans fired up after loss to Auburn?

By Alexis Stevens

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

It's a rivalry so fiery, it often involves water hoses.

But this time, the water was needed to put out the flames in downtown Auburn early Sunday, hours after the Tigers' 49-31 win over Georgia.

It seems someone (OK, maybe a Georgia fan) set fire to toilet paper hanging from an oak tree at Toomer's Corner, according to various media outlets. That's the corner where Toomer's Drugs -- a century-old lunch counter and hangout for Auburn students, fans and alumni -- is located and where the Auburn faithful toss tissue to celebrate just about anything.

The Auburn fire chief told WTVM Channel 9 in Columbus that the flames were extinguished within about five minutes, and the large oak trees are fine.

Investigators aren't sure who started the fire, according to the report. But witnesses reported seeing an upset Georgia fan light the blaze.

The incident could be the latest in a string of trick plays between the two SEC rivals.

In 1986, the Bulldogs hit the road and beat then-No. 6 Auburn 20-16. After the game, the Auburn grounds crew turned the hoses on the Georgia fans to dampen their celebration.

Ten years later, Georgia mascot Uga V got in on the act, lunging after an Auburn player in the now-famous picture. Oh, and Georgia won that one in overtime, if you're keeping score.

And sure, SEC football is all above the rivalries. But the Georgia-Auburn competition is one that shows no signs of extinguishing itself any time soon.

(Editor's note: This reporter did not attend UGA or Auburn, nor does she condone setting things on fire.)

View the Toomer's Corner webcam.