They are big. They are gorgeous. They are the symbol of the heart and soul of Del Mar. They could also cause big problems for firefighters and hapless homeowners should a wildfire invade the city limits. Fire is definitely a natural part of the Torrey pine environment, said Thom Porter, a forester for the California Division of Forestry.
Fire is a potential threat.
Pines, including Torrey pines, are moderately flammable but when they do catch fire, pushed by strong winds where canopies are contiguous like in many Del Mar neighborhoods, fire can pass from one to the other quite quickly, Porter said. Strong winds push the flames upward until they reach Crest Road. Fueled by dry brush and a hot Santa Ana, some of Del Mar s beautiful Torrey pines catch fire. Firefighters finally make a stand below on Camino Del Mar and control the fire, but not before it has taken out the center of town. Worst case, but not farfetched.