posted on Feb, 17 2009 @ 01:40 PM
reply to post by magicmushroom
that is simply because the house fires are NOT caused by direct exposure to fire - but by burning embers carried on the wind
when these land on a wooden deck / patio / terrace or a flat roof covered with bitchumen impregnated felt - it ignites that point - and fire quickly
engulfs the whole structure
a living healthy tree = high water content , just try setting fire to a green leaf with a match [ in a safe location ]
burning embers on the breeze will not ignite a healthy tree very easily
that is why you see a burned house surrounded by untoughted healthy trees