Eucalyptus tree at Botanic Gardens unable to be saved after fire

THE eucalyptus tree which was set on fire at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Port of Spain has been removed. The public had hoped the tree – planted in 1910 – could have survived.

The tree was set on fire on Thursday afternoon by minors, according to the Facebook page Friends of the Botanic Gardens.

Many people on Facebook expressed outrage at the act, calling for the parents of the minors to be held accountable.

The page had shared photos of the tree after fire officials had put out the blaze, but it has since posted pictures of the tree being demolished.

One commenter said, "That tree has been removing carbon from our atmosphere for 110 years. It's very unfortunate to see it go."

Another said, "This really is so sad and unnecessary. The tree was both beautiful and beneficial, now it is no more."

Agriculture officer from the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries Johan Govia told Newsday there now remains only one eucalyptus tree at the gardens.

He said the two youngsters were taken to the Belmont police station for questioning.

"The security officers at the location would have notified us, as well as the President's House special branch.

"So Thursday when it was lit, fire services came to out the fire because the inside is hollow and it was burning from the inside. So it actually took around 4,000 gallons of water between Thursday and Friday pumped into there to try to out that flame because of the type of wood."

He said the minors had been regular visitors to the gardens.

"It's a 110-year-old tree. I mean, to have that old tree lost is really tragic."

He said they are planning on replanting another of its kind.