Here's an example of the way firefighters protected vulnerable buildings. The owner of this property, which is located near Sterling Canyon, took me on a quick tour, showing me where trees that were too close to the buildings had been hurriedly cut down and hauled away. This particular property was apparently treated with flame retardant of some kind, which was largely invisible to the naked eye, but which bubbled up when plants were watered.t hillside. Judging by how close the fire was, she was sure all was lost, but returned to find none of their buildings damaged. She said the firefighters (and police) were extremely helpful, reassuring, and sensitive to their needs and concerns.