The Calgary Fire Department was on scene early Tuesday morning to put out a tree fire that started overnight.
Officials were called to the scene at approximately 4 a.m. Tuesday for reports of a tree fire at the 600 block of 22nd Avenue N.W., on the 12th Avenue side of Central Memorial Park. Reports stated the tree on fire was located next to a light pole, according to Carol Henke, Calgary Fire Department’s public information officer.
No buildings were threatened by the fire and crews were able to secure the scene.
The city parks department was called and an arborist was contacted to examine the damage and determine if the tree would remain in place.
The Poplar, which is described as large and very old by city officials, was scheduled for maintenance due to its heritage status even though it was near end of life cycle.
The tree was killed in the fire and is being removed for public safety, according to city parks officials.
Fire crews were on scene for approximately three hours.
City officials believe someone put paper at the base of the tree to start the fire.