Hollow tree in Stanley Park catches fire

It remains unclear what caused a stubborn fire inside Stanley Park's famous hollow tree on Thursday night, but firefighters say it appears suspicious.

The tree, which has a been a popular Vancouver tourist attraction for about 100 years, first caught fire around 10:45 p.m. PT Thursday.

Several hours later it sparked up again and firefighters returned around 3 a.m. to put it out.

In 2008 the Park Board voted to cut the 700-year-old cedar stump down, and lay it on its side, after it became a safety hazard.

But a group of citizens raised several hundred thousand dollars to stabilize the tree by creating 'artificial roots' from concrete and steel.

Hollow Tree Stories

VIDEO | See the damage to the hollow tree