The next time you get a nice dry bale of straw and a propane torch together, try setting the bale on fire. Time it. Let me know if you succeed after an hour.

One of the most quake- and fire-retardant homes are straw-bale covered with concrete and a metal roof. Concrete block or wire fencing. No foundation plantings.

Some years ago (1995?), there was a concrete/steel roof house in Malibu surrounded by fire. The firemen took a look at the house and said, "This is where we'll make our stand". That house was the only one left standing amid blocks of ashes and chimneys.

Of course, that house was built by someone from another country, who didn't base his home on TV fantasy and wishful thinking.

Doesn't asphalt burn?

Sue