Stanley Park’s iconic Hollow Tree damaged in a fire

One of Vancouver’s most famous landmarks has been damaged in an overnight fire.

Fire crews and Vancouver police officers responded to reports of a fire involving Stanley Park’s iconic Hollow Tree around 4 o’clock in the morning.

It appears the tree was set on fire twice: the first time around midnight and then a few hours later.

Malcolm Bromley, General Manager of the Vancouver Park Board, says the tree has been scorched by the fire, but the iron support system inside the tree that holds it up does not appear to be damaged.

“We will be working with experts to assess the safety and integrity of the wood,” says Bromley.

He says the investigation is ongoing, but it looks like the fire was suspicious.

A temporary guard has been placed at the location, and park visitors are being asked to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity.

This is the first fire in Stanley Park in over a year.

The Hollow Tree is said to be about 800 years old and was Vancouver’s first major tourist attraction.

It was badly damaged by a windstorm in December 2006, and was slated for removal after it was deemed a falling hazard.

However, public outcry and a fundraising campaign managed to save the tree. The stabilization of the tree was completed in 2009.

The tree is so popular, Vancouver artist Douglas Coupland has been commissioned to build a mirror-image golden replica, expected to be completed in 2015.

“You look back at the historic photos of Stanley Park, and there is always a shot of the Hollow Tree. It is very iconic and symbolic of the park,” says Bromley.

What are your memories of the Hollow Tree? Let us know in the comments below.