it hasn't mostly been dead on the inside for 3500 years either.
What a shame to lose such a landmark. I've heard about it but never seen it in person.
I think spontaneous combustion is very possible. If you've ever worked around a compost pile or around hay, wood chip piles, etc. you know how warm they can get as part of the natural breakdown process. And a cypress can get lightered up, or fat, like a pine, so it doesn't take much heat to get that stuff going. Oh well, 3500 years ain't a bad run!
You are correct, Gary. That's pretty much how muck fires get started. Dump a pile of yard clippings in your yard and the next day you can't stick your hand in it. However, a newer news report is stating they found a pile of debris at the base of the tree that is leaning this towards arson
Well, if it proves to be arson, I hope there's enough tree left to string them from it or tie them to it and let the fire ants have a go.
no arson according to news the eve. slow burning strike from a few weeks ago. high winds and drought finished the tree. saw it many times when I lived in Longwood. Imagine-3500 years old. a real shame.
