Lightning Protection Down Conductor in Contact with Wood (Flammable material)

[MazzEE]

In an older existing building a Lightning Protection (LP) system was added where installer routed the down conductors through beams in the attic. Although we didn't call for it to be in conduit, something doesn't sit with me that the conductor is in contact with wood that's been in an attic for many years. I couldn't find anything in 780 but just curious if anyone has run into this. Upon a strike is the lightning bolt so fast that the wood does not "notice" the heat and this is a perfectly acceptable install?

 

[Frank DuVal]

My lightning suppression system down wires go right through my wood stud bays. Then outside the wall to the ground rods. Old retrofitted houses get the down leads on the exterior, but new construction is interior runs AFAIK.

The real purpose is to "drain" the charge from the air before it becomes a true strike with many killoamps. Hence the term "air terminal" instead of lightning rod.