Effects of lightning/fire on a palm tree?

[Tree94]

Went to look at a job today to remove a palm tree that was struck by lightning.
Small drop zone, so would have to be sectioned out, which would require climbing into the burnt part of the palm.
Tree is about 45' - 50' tall

From on the ground, it doesn't look too bad but the neighbor said it was on fire for a good 15 minutes.
Also in the middle of the trunk it almost looks like its split where the fibers are coming out (see 2nd pic).
I'm wondering if that was the cause of the bolt going through the tree down to the ground??

Anyways, I ended up passing it up not knowing how safe it is.
Any thoughts?

PS: kinda crappy pics, sorry, were taken with smart phone

 

[TheJollyLogger]

Crane job

 

[imagineero]

I've cut more than a few lightning/fire struck trees including maybe a half dozen palms. The effects of lightning strike on regular trees never ceases to amaze me. I've seen some trees literally explode from the forces. Others split/cracked, hardened, limbs exploded off. It changes the fibre of the wood at a fundamental level. Based on my experience of cutting lightning struck palms there is little if any effect. The area immediately in the strike zone is a little softer than normal, but the palm overall has had no changes in the palms I've cut. Looks like you've got yourself a cabbage palm there and based on the photos I would have no hesitation in climbing it if it were my job. Do take a look once you're up in the canopy just the same though.