Posted on 03/26/2022 2:30:29 PM PDT by nickcarraway
Official says the fire was likely started by an illegal campsite
A tragic loss in the North Bay, where one of the last remaining old growth redwoods in Marin County was destroyed by a fire this week. The Pioneer Tree inside Samuel P. Taylor State Park was hundreds of years old. Fire officials believe an illegal campsite could be to blame.
"It's lost forever," said Marin County Fire Chief Jason Weber.
Fire crews were still on scene of a blaze on Friday which destroyed an iconic piece of Samuel P. Taylor State Park, known as the Pioneer Tree. The loss is as massive as the mighty redwood itself.
"It's like a loss of a family member for the staff and for the members of the community," said California State Park Ranger Vince Anibale.
Anibale says Pioneer Tree was one of the few remaining old growth redwoods in the park. Pictures show the tree before the fire, standing 200-feet tall and believed to be at least 800-years-old.
"It's just upsetting because they're so old and so big, they harbor great life so losing one is a disappointment," Anibale added.
"The tree collapsed while our folks were there due to amount of fire inside the tree," said Weber.
Weber believes the fire, first discovered on Thursday, was likely started by an illegal campsite.
"Not only is is illegal, it's just plain stupid. We're in an extended drought, people need to be fire safe," said Weber.
For some visitors, the loss so great they brought flowers to the front gate kiosk, even a condolence card.
Park volunteer Kathryn Dunning shared photos of herself standing inside the beloved tree.
"I walk the trail once a week, I've been inside the tree, so have my grandkids and friends It's a big loss," said Dunning.
The tree has survived other fire before. Park rangers are now looking for information about who may have started the fire. But for now, it's a time to grieve the loss of a very old friend.
"A beautiful redwood, eight feet in diameter, it's irreplaceable," said Weber.
Ping
I can understand people being upset, but a condolence card is a bit much.
Thanks. My son and we’re hiking at Sunol last Sunday and marveling at the 400 year old oaks there. It’s amazing to think this tree is twice that old. What a tragic loss.
Get a grip, it’s just a tree.
Our "guests" needed a campfire to heat up their Goya frijoles refritos.
NOTICE OF PARTIAL CLOSURE: The Pioneer Tree Trail is temporarily closed until further notice. Public advised to stay clear of area. The rest of the park remains open.
State Parks is saddened to inform the public that the iconic Pioneer Tree at Samuel P. Taylor State Park is no longer standing. The tree was fully engulfed in flames earlier today. The Marin County Fire Department is on scene. The fire was reported around 11:25 a.m. today (3/24) and is approximately ½ acre with no threat of further spread. The cause of the fire is unknown at this time. There are no evacuations and no campers impacted. No one was injured. State Parks thanks the public for their patience and understanding during this developing incident.
https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=469
What loss?? How many trees came about because of that tree?
Trees come and go. That’s their job.
That tree was the only one who could tell us why Genghis Khan invaded China.
Because...... Trump's fault?
Because..... Global warming?
Because..... Its good to be the king?
Because..... To get to the other side?
Because..... I said so!
It isn’t often you can go visit an 800 year old living thing.
Well, you can always go visit 1600 Pennsylvania Ave, I suppose.
Cut it up and make furniture out of it BEFORE this sort of thing happens.
Remember this in Texas? I understand they took cuttings when the tree was poisoned. Wonder if anyone got cuttings of this burned tree.
https://texashillcountry.com/occultist-poisoned-texas-treaty-oak/
This is Marin County, California.
But did anyone get cuttings from the tree while it was alive, to perpetuate the growth?
Illegal campfire in more than one way, I would hazard.
🙃😉🤑😃👍👍👍
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