Australian Bushfire Anomalies

fires do move in mysterious way but perusing through many of the pictures it seemed strange that whilst all the house were turned to charcoal many of the trees were not. In some of the aerial pictures every house is burnt to the ground yet all around many trees are in full foiliage and appear undamaged. Was this just a fluke or something else. Yes you can see some trees burnt and damaged but why are so many intact yet all man made structures have been incinerated?


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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

a living healthy tree = high water content
ground vegetation with a lower water content and you have a ground fire.

you can also have trees that are dry but the ground vegetation with a high water content and you will have a crown fire. where the ground vegetation is unburnt.