A huge crack can clearly be seen in the tree trunk
© ViralHogA huge crack can clearly be seen in the tree trunk
This is the dramatic moment a tree bursts into flames after it is hit by a bolt of lightning .

The foliage set on fire after a particularly vicious lightning strike in Springdale, Arkansas in the US on June 12.

In the clip, the tree appears to be on fire from the inside out, with a huge crack running down the entire length of the trunk.

Incidents like these occur when 'cloud-to-ground' lightning bolts strike tall objects, like trees or buildings.

According to the National Weather Service : "Most lightning flashes consist of one or more leaders/return strokes.

"Some flashes contain a continuous flow of electricity, called continuing current. Rather than the charge flowing intermittently in one or more quick surges (return strokes), in continuing current, the charge flows continuously over a longer period of time.


"This longer period of charge flow causes the struck object to heat up and possibly ignite."

The 12-second footage has now been shared on YouTube and has been viewed more than 6,100 times since June 13.