LET YOUR HEART NOT BE TROUBLED, OR CAN'T IT? NOW I'M A TREE HUGGER TOO! THIS TIME!

[AQUAMAN]

Here's a story in itself, at least for me. In Longwood, Fl., an 118' tall Bald Cypress tree, deemed to be about 3,500 years old, 5th oldest on the planet, was burned to the ground in the last couple of days. WHY? Well, it was arsonists acts, according to the fire departments investigating the scene of the incident. The famous tree was named "The Senator". It was an icon for not only the park, but the entire State of Florida. Why would some punks/aholes do such an ignorant and vicious act? It's not known yet, but I speak just as a bystander, and think it was for kicks, and pure insanity, probably drug induced. I can't believe that anyone, whether drug induced, or drunk, could intentionally destroy such a living icon for no purpose or reason at all. Is anybody else in my think tank, or don't you care either? Well?

[Willy]

I read an article that says that a lightning strike started the fire.

http://firegeezer.com/2012/01/16/pre-historic-tree-burns-in-florida/

[Sweater Cows!]

Looks like your correct Willy. here is another link stating the fire started inside the tree.http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/headlines/2012/01/3500-year-old-tree-ni...

[XLFD]

I guess this is what you would call "punk lightning" starting this fire. 

Still it just goes to show you, bad events that happen in the environment aren't all  man-made.  Unless you think this lightning strike was due to climate change.

[Sweater Cows!]

Well, I am notorious around home for being a tree-hugger extraordinaire and enviro-freak! But in this case it looks to be as if there are no worries!

[AQUAMAN]

Thanks for the update guys, I missed that. Hmmm, seems funny that lightning strikes two weeks ago, then the tree is seen on fire. Initially, they said a pile of sticks and brush were seen at the trunk, thus the belief of arson. Either way, a sad loss. Thanks for the pics and video too.