Lightning Myths!

8/10/2020 (Permalink)

There is a myth that lightning does not strike the same spot twice. It turns out that lightning is more likely to strike the same spot twice because it favors the path of least resistance.
One of the benefits of lightning is that it helps fix atmospheric nitrogen into an organic form that rain can bring to the earth. At SERVPRO, we have an Ozone machine that negates the harsh smell of smoke in clothing, furniture, and many other porous items. We often describe how the machine works by comparing it to the way lightning cleanses the earth. And lightning has other benefits such as restoring the electrical equilibrium to earth.
There is another myth that if it is lightning while it is raining, there is a lower likelihood of starting a forest fire. The fact is, any air-to-ground strike can cause a fire. A lightning strike is not always immediately visible, but this depends on the fuel base's combustibility. Greener fuels may smolder for several days before breaking out and spreading. Rain might delay the spread of a lightning fire. A fire can only result depending on the interaction between environmental conditions and lightning. A significant amount of heat must be produced from the lightning, weather, and fuel base to ignite. In the U.S., lightning strikes an average of 400 people a year and kills 80 people per year.
Lightning isn't all bad, but you 100% want to stay away from it!