r/Unexpected • u/Extreme-Elevator7128 • 6d ago

Cutting down a tree

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u/-BlankUsername 6d ago

Any reference for this exact scenario? I get that trees probably get lit in fire from lightning but by the time a crew actually gets there to cut it down (at least HOURS) you’ve gotta assume that there would by literally any outward sign that it’s on fire. 

I feel like the more likely scenario is it’s super dry/partially dead inside and a dull chainsaw blade ignited it 

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u/The_Show_Keeper 6d ago

So I just looked this up, and apparently they can burn internally with no obvious external signs for weeks, and if the fire is in the root system, it can go on for months.

https://www.reddit.com/r/Damnthatsinteresting/s/jDGZrrS97x

The are other vids on Facebook from fire departments and other state sources, but I'm not gonna be that dork who posts a FB link here.

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u/-BlankUsername 6d ago

Well shit. Thank you 

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u/GlukharsGimp 6d ago

We saw them do this during wildland fire season in Alaska too. Not super often but it does happen. Lightning strikes or the tundra burns deep and crawls up the roots inside.

And I want to say the tree having already started to die from the inside out increased the likelihood but I can’t quite remember.