You can't really blame people for trying to protect their property. In many instances you are more likely to save your home if you stay with it. That's assuming you have a sufficient water supply (5,000 gallon minimum + 2 1/2" line) both your house and water tank have reasonable vegetation clearance already and you know where your hose lines are and how to use them.

In a large fire, it is impossible for the fire departments to defend all structures, no matter how many resources they have.

Test your fire hoses before fire season starts. Make sure you can reach all sides of your house and water down the roof and area around the house.

Conversely, if you have trees and brush growing within feet of your house, grab your photographs, legal documents, pets. Close all windows and doors, and leave.