Stanley Park’s historic Hollow Tree was sparked twice over night by fires authorities are calling suspicious.
The fire was first reported at around 10:45 p.m. Thursday, according to CBC.
Firefighters had to return at about 3 a.m. to once more take down the stubbourn blaze in the popular tourist attraction.
Investigators will continue to look into the fire, however there is early indication the tree may have been the target of arsonists.
The tree stump almost didn’t make it to 2014; a few years ago, Vancouverites came to its rescue and saw to it the ailing arbor was reinforced with concrete and steel at a cost of $250,000 through private donations.
Earlier this year, an artistic replica of the tree created by Douglas Coupland was announced for installation at a condo development.
#stanleypark hollow tree damaged by overnight fire. No word on cause. #cbc pic.twitter.com/AjaPgOo83j
— Steve Lus (@stevecbc) September 12, 2014
The #HollowTree in #StanleyPark was damaged by a suspicious fire overnight. The tree stump is 700 yrs old. #Vancouver pic.twitter.com/MSKCYxSEBQ
— News1130 (@News1130radio) September 12, 2014
Featured image: Touring Car in front of Hollow Tree at Stanley Park – 1915 (Vancouver Archives)