Which statement is true regarding the ignition of combustible materials by lightning strikes?

The statement that it is unlikely for lightning to ignite combustible materials is grounded in the understanding of the nature of lightning strikes and their interaction with the environment. While lightning is extremely powerful and can produce temperatures hotter than the surface of the Sun, the actual incidence of lightning igniting combustible materials is relatively rare compared to the total number of strikes.

Generally, the ignition of materials occurs only under specific conditions, such as the type of material involved, moisture content, and the amount of fuel available for combustion. Lightning strikes can occur in a variety of environmental conditions, and although they have the potential to ignite materials like dry grass or wood, many factors reduce the likelihood of ignition. Additionally, the percentage of lightning strikes that result in fires is a small fraction of the total, indicating that while it can happen, it is not a common occurrence.

The other options suggest a higher likelihood of ignition than what is supported by statistical data and studies on lightning strikes, which typically categorize the ignition risk as low. Therefore, the conclusion that it is unlikely to ignite combustible materials aligns accurately with the facts regarding lightning and combustion.