western fires oddity. many houses and buildings burned while the trees are just fine.

[msongs]

somewhat interesting dynamic going on how the flames can sweep a neighborhood and all the trees are still full of leaves and waving in the breez untouched.

[PoliticAverse]

1. The trees may have adapted over the centuries...

Last edited Tue Sep 15, 2020, 09:59 AM - Edit history (1)

From: https://www.nationalforests.org/our-forests/your-national-forests-magazine/how-trees-survive-and-thrive-after-a-fire

Thick bark.

Trees in fire-prone areas develop thicker bark, in part, because thick bark does not catch fire or burn easily. It also protects the inside of the trunk, the living tissues that transport water and nutrients, from heat damage during high-frequency, low-intensity fires. Ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa, also commonly known as the bull pine, blackjack pine or western yellow pine) is a great example. This signature tree in the western United States has a thick and flaky bark, sometimes compared to pieces of a jigsaw puzzle, which perfectly withstands a low-intensity, surface fire. The species also drops lower branches as the trees grow older, which helps prevent fire from climbing up and burning the green needles higher up the tree.

[canetoad]

2. Not uncommon in Australia

One house in a street may survive while it's neighbours are burned to the ground. Leafy trees suggest a certain amount of moisture whereas buildings are old, dry, seasoned timber.

Many other variables; uphill or down-gully? Ember attacks, forward of the fire front cause havoc.

Scariest is a crown fire, when the wind is strong enough to carry the flames through the treetops, but can leave ground level untouched (apart from ember fires). It's hard to fight wildfires because of their unpredictability.

[Jarqui]

3. 'Shoulda raked the houses ...'

What has Trump done to our minds ...

[handmade34]

4. Mother Earth

trying to tell us something?

I am so sorry for all those losing homes

[Historic NY]

5. House's are made from various products containing shock - petro-chemicals

they combust at high temperatures.

[Amishman]

6. plenty of ways modern homes are torches in waiting

cheap pine framing burns much faster than the hardwood used in old homes. Steel framing is starting to make an inroads into residential construction, but remains very uncommon.

roof trusses held together with thin flexible connector plates do not hold up long in a fire, quickly warping or popping. This opens gaps at the roof, letting the house chimney and burn faster.

plywood,particle board / OSB made of softwood and glue burns faster and hotter than solid wood. This affects both the house and most newly made furniture.