There is a Malibu ‘miracle’ mansion that survived the LA wildfires, leaving many questions about whether this is due to a stroke of luck or some other strange reason.
The recent wildfires in Los Angeles have been some of the most destructive in U.S. history. While many homes were destroyed, some, like David Steiner’s Malibu mansion, survived against all odds.
The role of architecture in surviving wildfires
The survival of homes during wildfires can be attributed to a mix of planning, materials, and sometimes luck. Fire safety expert Daniel Vasilevski explains that fire-resistant materials and strategic design play key roles in protecting homes.
Homes built with fire-resistant materials like stucco, stone, and metal can withstand extreme heat. These materials help prevent flames from entering the home. Double-glazed windows and sealed gaps also protect against heat and smoke.
Wayne Whitney, a fire investigator with Fire Scene Analysis, added: “The major factors affecting whether a home will ignite in a firestorm has to do with the materials it is constructed of, its state of repair, and the management of surrounding decorative vegetation”.
“The homes featured in the provided internet stories looked to have noncombustible roofs and exterior walls with plenty of ‘defensible’ space in their immediate surroundings.”
Wayne Whitney, a fire investigator, adds that well-maintained homes with defensible space are less likely to catch fire.
For example, David Steiner’s Malibu mansion features a design with pilings driven deep into bedrock. This ensures stability and prevents cracking during fires.
David Steiner was also shocked by the miraculous survival of his home amid the LA wildfires.
Steiner shared with ABC13 Eyewitness News how his home survived, saying: “I don’t use the word ‘miracle”. He bought the house in 2015 and doesn’t live in it full time.
“I say that it’s great architecture, brave firefighters, and maybe a little dash of miracle,” he added, speculating that the home’s “concrete design” helped it survive.
Tom Hanks’ mansion: a prime example of fire-resistant construction
Tom Hanks’ $26 million mansion in Pacific Palisades is another example of fire-resistant design. His home, with reinforced concrete and a fire-resistant roof, stood untouched while nearby homes were scorched.
The landscaping around Hanks’ mansion also played a role. The lack of vegetation around the house prevented the spread of flames, a critical measure for fire protection.
Environmental factors also influence wildfire survival
Wind patterns, topography, and available fuel can affect how a wildfire spreads. Homes situated in areas with less radiant heat or direct flames may have a higher chance of survival.
Some properties were spared due to the shifting of wind, which directed flames away from them.
As fire investigator John Miller notes, plants and trees burn at different rates, impacting the spread of the fire.
Despite the best planning and design, luck also plays a role. A change in wind direction, natural barriers, or embers missing a home can all contribute to survival.
As fire safety expert Jessica Lauren says, “Luck does play a factor.”
While strategic architecture and materials are crucial, environmental factors and luck also contribute to a home’s survival in wildfires. Planning, preparation, and sometimes fate determine which homes withstand the flames.