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Investigators Rule Out Arson in "Senator Tree" Fire

PHOTO:Florida Division of Forestry
PHOTO:Florida Division of Forestry

Jan.17, 2012 | WMFE - Investigators with the state Division of Forestry say the cause of a fire that destroyed an ancient cypress tree in Seminole County is "undetermined" but a spokesman says investigators have ruled out arson.


A Division spokesman declined to speculate on the possible cause. But a Seminole County Fire investigator told the Orlando Sentinel that the tree might have been struck by lightning several days ago.
The tree was mostly hollow, he said, and could have been smoldering inside until flames erupted from the top of the tree early Monday morning.
 
The approximately 3,500 year old bald cypress was believed to be one of the world's oldest cypress trees.
It was nearly 125 feet tall and was a landmark and tourist attraction for many years as the centerpiece of Longwood's Big Tree Park.

Longwood Mayor Joe Durso says the ancient tree had seen plenty of adversity in its 35 hundred years and that’s part of the reason why the fire was such a shock for Longwood residents.

“It’s been through hurricanes and lightning storms and all these different things that happen in Florida. All the development going on around it and it was able to survive all of that.” Durso said. “For it to be destroyed in this way, it’s just really a sad day.”

The tree was named “The Senator” in recognition of State Senator Moses Overstreet who donated the land to the county. Big Tree Park was dedicated by President Calvin Coolidge in 1929.

Another bald cypress, nicknamed "Lady Liberty” was not damaged by the fire. It’s estimated to be more than two thousand years old.
Big Tree Park is located on General Hutchinson parkway just outside Longwood in Seminole County. 

  

 

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