POULSBO – An old-growth cedar tree on a trail near Stottlemeyer Road was damaged by fire and had to be felled Tuesday.

Callers reported at 1 p.m. that a campfire had spread to the nearby tree, Poulsbo Fire spokeswoman Jody Matson reported.

Crews from the Poulsbo Fire Department and North Kitsap Fire and Rescue discovered the fire had spread up through the base of the tree. The tree was somewhat rotten in the middle; it became apparent that the only way to ensure the fire would not spread, and that the fire was completely out, was to cut the tree down.

Fortunately, a tree service was in town: Sawyer Darren Richards from Westerlund Tree Service “fell” the tree.

“The tree was around 8 feet wide by 200 feet tall and we were very lucky to have a reputable tree service available,” Battalion Chief Jim Gillard said.

It took most of the afternoon to fall the tree and ensure the fire was completely out. There were no injuries.