It is rare that I see wood framing so decayed that the bottom half of the studs are completely gone. Mostly when I find decay, I can dig my fingers into it and pull out big chunks, but at least there is something there. To the unschooled eye, decayed wood could almost pass for burned wood. Burning of wood often leaves charring that is similar to decay, in effect. However, unlike a decayed piece of wood, a burned wood member may still have some of its structural integrity, albeit much of it is charred.
Fire is also a natural process, in forests.
When it comes to homes and other buildings, both fire and decay are both extremely damaging. Most people would extinguish a fire immediately, no matter where it was, if they were able. However, many people do not believe that the leaking of their windows, doors, downspouts and showers is important to stop. This catch-basin developed a leak and the water went right into the stucco and, over the years, caused much of the back of the house to become dangerously decayed. This expenditure could have been avoided if the original framing of the deck had been properly waterproofed at installation.