Yes, but I think what he’s trying to stay is that as the dead needles fall, the chances of a crown fire (far more difficult to fight) is reduced. But you’re right, dead trees are a hazard, they burn better. That’s why you let your firewood dry out (season) after you cut it. Also, he’s making a case for leaving the dead trees lie, when it is good forest management to remove MOST of the dead trees. Leaving a few large ones lying fully on the ground is good for the health of the forest, in that animals make them their homes and they decompose to rejuvenate the soil.