Stanley Park fire claims ancient cedar tree in Vancouver

A fire in the early hours of Sunday morning in Vancouver's iconic Stanley Park brought down an ancient cedar tree.

Vancouver Fire Chief Dan Wood says the blaze began overnight onSunday and worked its way up the centre of the dying tree,eventually causing it to collapse.

Wood says the cause of the fire is still under investigation butthat it may have started from a cigarette butt or by someonehomeless who was trying to keep warm.

• Homeless camp fire in Stanley Park
• Fireboat knocks out Stanley Park tree fire
• Hollow tree in Stanley Park catches fire

The incident occurred near Lost Lagoon, at the intersection ofTatlow Walk and Lovers Walk trails.

A spokeswoman for the Vancouver Park Board says the tree washundreds of years old and that crews initially responded to reportsof flames around 8 a.m.

The fire was contained to a single, 35-metre tree and is nolonger considered to be a threat.

Map of Tatlow Walk in Stanley Park