Eucalypts can indeed explode; in the heat of a fire, the sap of the tree expands and can seep through cracks in the bark.

Can a tree explode in a forest fire?

They can explode.” The myth of exploding trees may have originated with a classic film about wildfires, “Red Skies of Montana” which showed firefighters being harassed by exploding trees, thanks to movie magic. … And maple trees can explode in below freezing temperatures when the sap freezes.

Can trees withstand fire?

They can’t run, fly, creep or crawl out of a fire’s path. But they have adapted to survive, and even depend on, regular fire. From armoring themselves with thick bark to developing ways to protect precious seeds, trees have developed several fascinating adaptations in response to a predictable fire pattern.