The resilience of a century-plus-old oak tree has been severely tested this summer. The historic tree in the middle of Greencastle Road in northeastern Vigo County caught fire Saturday night. County officials also suspect the fire was purposely set.
Nonetheless, the bur oak may survive the damage. Vigo County Commissioner Brendan Kearns said county highway superintendent Bob James inspected the tree Monday. "In his opinion, we're looking pretty good," Kearns said of the tree's potential to survive the fire.
Two units from the Nevins Township Volunteer Fire Department responded to a 6:17 p.m. call Saturday and found the tree ablaze. "It was on fire. There were flames going up that whole side," Nevins VFD Chief Cory Roberts said Monday morning. The crews also saw dark, scorched areas on the tree.