Watch firefighters tackle fire burning tree from inside out

A Rare and Daunting Challenge

In a scene eerily reminiscent of a fantasy movie, firefighters in the tiny hamlet of Marshbrook, near Ludlow, Shropshire, were faced with an unusual and perilous task. Smoke billowing from an ancient, hollow black ash tree caught their attention, and what they found inside was nothing short of extraordinary. The tree, which has stood tall for over a century, was on fire from the inside out.

The Unexpected Alarm

The alarm was raised by local residents who noticed smoke billowing from the old tree. The incident unfolded on a typical evening, with people going about their daily routines unaware of the challenge that awaited the fire department.

The Firefighters' Dilemma

When the fire crew arrived at the scene around 5:25 PM, they were met with a sight that would be etched in their memories forever. Flames were dancing inside the trunk of the 100ft tall tree, leaving the firefighters stunned and perplexed. This was no ordinary tree fire; it was a challenge that required a unique approach.

The Inside Job

Video footage taken by Church Stretton Fire Station shows firefighters using hoses to spray water directly into the gap in the bark. The hollow interior of the tree created a maze-like environment that made extinguishing the fire a daunting task. Firefighters had to navigate through the narrow spaces to reach and douse the flames.

Theories and Legends

Previous incidents of fires burning inside trees have led to wild online theories about them being "portals to the underworld" or "gateways to hell." However, the reality is far more mundane. In this case, the fire was attributed to stray sparks from a nearby bonfire.

The Firefighters' Strategy

Firefighters say that dealing with a fire inside a tree is a very different sort of incident from the usual house or building fires they attend. The hollow nature of the tree meant that water had to be sprayed from the inside out to effectively extinguish the flames.

A fire service spokesperson highlighted the unusual nature of this incident, stating, "We were called to attend an old tree which accidentally caught fire from sparks from a nearby bonfire. With it being hollow throughout, we had to extinguish it from the inside - different sort of incident this was which you don't come across very often."

The Historical Significance

The tree in question is a local landmark and has been a part of Marshbrook's landscape for over a century. Its age and historical significance made the situation even more critical. The fire department had to balance their task of extinguishing the fire with preserving the tree's integrity.

The Aftermath

After successfully dousing the flames, the tree was left in a precarious state. Firefighters had to carefully assess its condition and determine the best course of action for its future. While the immediate danger was averted, long-term implications for the tree's health remained uncertain.

Conclusion

The event serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of fires and the innovative strategies required to tackle them. It also underscores the importance of vigilance in preventing such incidents, whether it be through proper disposal of fire materials or regular tree maintenance.

As we reflect on this extraordinary event, we are reminded of the bravery and expertise of our firefighters who face such unique challenges head-on, ensuring our safety and preserving our natural heritage.

References

• KULR-8: Watch firefighters tackle fire burning tree from inside out
• NBC Right Now: Firefighters tackle fire burning tree from inside out