Photo by BrianMKA.

The strong winds have claimed their first casualty: the National Christmas Tree. The DC Fire EMS Twitter stream reported that the tree has split at its base, and that no one was injured when it fell. The tree’s falling also did not cause any structural damage to any of the surrounding buildings.

We Love DC has some interesting facts about the tree that I didn’t realize: the 48 foot tree was planted in 1978 during the Carter Administration. Two previous trees planted at that spot have also both been casualties to strong winds, and subsequently replanted.

The National Park Service has confirmed that they will plant a new tree at the same spot.