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'Poland's oldest tree' victim of arson attack

PR dla Zagranicy
Nick Hodge 25.11.2014 09:23
Firefighters have managed to control a suspected arson attack on a tree dating back to the mid-13th century.

Photo:
Photo: Glowimages

The so-called Chrobry (Valiant) oak tree in the Szprotawa woods in Western Poland is said to be the oldest in the country.

It took around 30 hours of dousing with water and foam to extinguish the fire which engulfed the tree affectionately known as “Grandpa”.

“I was sure that the 'grandpa' would survive me, but now I'm not so sure,” deputy chief forest ranger in Szprotawa, Jerzy Wilanowski, told The Associated Press. “We have to wait.”

Such a wait could last up to half a year, as it will only be clear if it is growing new shoots around May.

The tree trunk has a circumference of 10 metres and is more than 28 metres high.

The investigation is still in its early phases, and police are considering a variety of causes, including arson. Since the tree is listed as an item of national heritage and protected by law, if convicted, an arsonist could face a prison sentence of up to 10 years. (rg)

tags: arson
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