As I recall, the Burning Woods zone was literally burning. There were particle effects of fire in the trees and smaller flames on the tips of charred trees. It really added an element of immersion to the zone. I don't know if this particle effect is along the same lines as the monk epic particle effect but maybe something worth looking into.
For reference, here is a pic of off Alla.
http://everquest.allakhazam.com/scen...gwood-fire.jpg
"A once-flourishing forest, much of these woods have been incinerated by what some believe to be a meteor, evidenced by a couple of giant craters and
ongoing fires. "