Photos Showing Anything Is Possible In A World Run By Mother Nature

Lightning Strikes And Trees Are Never A Good Mix

While lightning often strikes the highest point in an area, like a flagpole or a tall building, it’s also drawn to tall trees. In a forest, lightning doesn’t just scorch the ground—it can ignite fires deep within trees. For example, when lightning struck one particular tree, it sparked a fire that slowly consumed the tree’s interior. Five days later, the inside of the tree was still burning

This shows how forest fires can start in unexpected ways. Did you know that even after the outer bark appears unharmed, the inner wood can smolder for days? These hidden fires pose a serious risk, especially in dry conditions, and can quickly spread to surrounding vegetation. That’s why firefighters must act fast to extinguish them. Understanding how lightning can trigger fires helps us better protect our forests and communities from devastating wildfires.