Pine needles are a great mulch, but they are not recommended in the Western US because of fire if you live anywhere close to woods or fields.
Dry pine mulch in flowerbeds around your house when a wildfire starts sending burning embers ahead of the flames will burn your house. They burn very vigorously and they are far easier to ignite in comparison to wood mulch.
I was caught in the middle of the worst wildfire in Texas history 10 years ago. The Lost Pines fire of 2011.
We were camping at Bastrop State Park and having a wonderful day when it all began. Fortunately we were able to get our RV out and get out of there. But you are correct. Nothing burns hotter and faster in dry pine needles.