Centuries-Old Tree Damaged by Fire in Berlin's Schönhausen Palace Park

A significant natural landmark in Berlin's Pankow district suffered fire damage on Friday morning. A historic tree, estimated to be 250 years old and located within Schönhausen Palace Park, caught fire, prompting a swift response from local fire services.

According to fire department officials, staff working in the palace park detected flames and smoke coming from the partially hollow trunk of the ancient tree, which stands approximately 35 meters tall. The incident was reported in the early hours, leading emergency teams to the site to address the challenging situation.

The fire proved particularly difficult to control due to its location inside the tree's trunk. Firefighters initially focused on extinguishing flames near the base using specialized steel hoses. To prevent further oxygen from feeding the fire, they sealed the lower openings of the trunk with sand. This approach aimed to contain the blaze within the hollow structure and limit long-term damage to the tree.

To deal with the fire higher up, responders employed a ladder system to reach an opening about seven meters from the ground. Through this access point, they introduced an environmentally friendly foam agent into the trunk, enhancing their ability to suppress hidden embers and control the fire within the internal cavities.

Thermal imaging cameras were used throughout the operation to monitor the tree's temperature and ensure all hot spots were effectively managed. Firefighting efforts and subsequent checks continued into the midday hours, reflecting the complexity of the incident and the age of the tree involved.

Preserving the tree, which is classified as a natural monument and forms part of a protected group of five historic trees on the palace grounds, was a primary concern during the operation. Alongside the fire department, staff from the palace gardens and local police were present at the scene, collaborating to safeguard the site and minimize environmental impact.

Responsibility for ongoing monitoring and any follow-up measures was later handed over to the local volunteer fire brigade. Authorities continue to assess the full extent of the damage and the tree's prospects for survival. The event underscores the vulnerability of historic natural landmarks and the importance of coordinated emergency response efforts to protect valuable cultural and environmental heritage.

Park officials have not yet disclosed the probable cause of the fire, and investigations are underway. The incident has drawn attention to the significance of conservation measures for historic trees, particularly those located in urban parklands where environmental and human factors can pose risks.

Schönhausen Palace Park is known for its ensemble of ancient trees, which contribute to the area's historical and ecological value. The affected tree, a living witness to centuries of local history, remains under close observation as recovery and conservation work continues.