Woman arrested for burning down 3,500-year-old tree

The fifth oldest individual tree in the world, as well as the largest Pond Cypress in America, ended up being burned from the inside out on January 16.

The tree, called the Senator, was 3,500 years old. The Florida tree ended up being burned from the inside out. According to Grist, arson was initially ruled out by the authorities who said the fire may have started due to friction or smoldering lightning damage. However they have now ruled it back in. Authorities ended up arresting Sara Barnes, 26, for setting the tree on fire while she was doing meth inside of it. According to Huffington Post, Barnes is being charged with malicious burning land, which is a third-degree felony. Officers also searched her home and found drugs, and now she is also facing charges of possession of methamphetamine with intent to sell. According to WFTV, there is a stump that stands where the massive tree once stood and county officials want to make sure that nobody can degrade it. They also want to make sure nobody destroys the $7,000 clone, which is going to replace the Senator. Officials want to add fencing around the area, which will cost around $75,000. Officials have said that it is worth every single dime to protect what is left, and this includes Lady Liberty, a 2,000-year-old cypress.