How long have there been records kept?
Also, remember that we're talking about the "highest recorded". What's running a close second or third and so not considered newsworthy enough to mention on the internet.
Not much difference between 80 and 75.
Let's just assume for minute that there aren't any trees. Do you think an eighty mph wind can't kick up and spread all the burning sage brush? It's not like the brush is a dense heavy plant. It burns like cardboard with kerosene on it.