Tree commits suicide against power lines

Arcing wires are being blamed for a spectacular explosion that took place in Bellingham. Northern Washington.

Trouble began when a 60-foot poplar tree swaying into high voltage power lines. The tree branches danced closer and closer to the lines, eventually catching on fire.

Kaleb Skurdal was driving by when he saw the flames. He stopped his car, and started filming with his cell phone.

The 'proper' action happens just after three and a half minutes.


"Like every time it would hit, it would be like, 'Dzzzzz,' and basically sounded like a light sabre - the light sabre sound in Star Wars.'"

Then it happened. A huge arc sent a bolt of fire like lightning down the tree, and everyone around felt the jolt. "It basically felt like a bomb going off," said Skurdal. "I was like, 'This is what its like to live in Israel.'"

Fortunately nobody was hurt and everyone in the house below the tree were able to get out safely.