In 1805, reports emerged suggesting that the Fairlop Oak had caught fire, although other accounts denied this had happened. Questions were raised regarding the motivation behind such claims if the tree had not actually burned. Many newspapers issued retractions afterwards.

Elizabeth Ogbourne's The History of Essex published in 1814, stated: "In June, 1805, this tree received great damage from fire, either by a party who had been regaling under its branches, or from gypsies; it was discovered by the sparks to be on fire, and was with difficulty extinguished: the main branch on the south side, with part of the body, was consumed."  

A scrapbook in Vestry House Museum claims the story of the oak burning was untrue: "...is not only hoax from a ficticious branch, but it has not root, nor the least shade of truth; it therefore proves how easily the town are twigged."

It's possible only part of the tree was burned, but this may have caused substantial damage as most drawings of the Oak after 1805 show a leafless, or near leafless tree.