I believe there're many things that are appropriately designed and constructed of materials that are reliably fire resistant. I noticed NASA released a few images from space that seemed to show quite a bit more fuel is available for fires in California than just houses.

If I lived in a conventionally constructed house in California that was destroyed by fire, I'd be devastated regardless. It must be a wrenching feeling to watch fire approach from miles away with no hope to stop it, because the fuel it has overwhelms the capability of fire fighters.