BIG BEAR LAKE, Calif. — A large pine tree in California dramatically split in half after being hit by lightning over the weekend, authorities said.
Video in the Big Bear Lake area of the San Bernardino National Forest showed the Jeffrey pine, believed to be nearly 200 years old, catch fire after being hit by a bolt of lightning and then split at its trunk, awash in flames, KABC reported.
Michael Bogan, who filmed the scene across the way from the Big Bear Airport, said he saw the flash of lightning.
“It was a gorgeous 200+-year-old healthy tree that had an unlucky day,” Bogan tweeted.
Watched an incredible scene last night @SanBernardinoNF — Jeffery pine split in two by lightning strike & trunk fire. Thanks to @R5_Fire_News folks for keeping it from spreading! #CAfire pic.twitter.com/1lgHsP56PA
— Michael Bogan (@mtbogan) August 1, 2021
U.S. Forest Service firefighters responded to five separate lightning strike fires on Saturday, the San Bernardino National Forest said. Because of its size and for safety reasons, the aging pine was impossible to take down, KTLA reported.
A fire crew was assigned to the area overnight as the big tree smoldered, the television station reported.
Due to the size of the tree and safety reasons, this tree could not be taken down today.
— San Bernardino National Forest (@SanBernardinoNF) August 1, 2021
It’ll continue to smolder and put up smoke, visible on the northeast shore of the lake.
FS Engine 317 will be watching it overnight and will continue working to extinguish it Sunday. pic.twitter.com/olOHnGrwoP
Firefighters eventually cut the tree down, KABC reported.
Firefighters have successfully contained all 5 lightning strike single tree fires today.
— San Bernardino National Forest (@SanBernardinoNF) August 1, 2021
They will continue checking the trees daily until declared controlled and out.
Firefighter pilots will also conduct daily reconnaissance flights to check for any potential holdovers. pic.twitter.com/LkVPVJ0PWE
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