A current widespread topic is the LA wildfire, which has wiped out numerous neighborhoods in the area. Across the nation people are anxiously watching as their loved ones are evacuated, some losing everything. In the midst of the chaos comes a small silver lining for one family and it serves as a reminder to others of the importance of constructing structurally sound and fire-resistant buildings.
LA Wildfire Left One House Standing
David Steiner was stunned to see an image of his home still standing among the rubble of his neighbors’ homes, following the LA wildfire. He explained that his contractor sent him a video of the homes in his neighborhood, engulfed in flames and was certain his home would suffer the same fate. However, he was happily surprised when his wife sent him a picture of his home still standing, among the ruins. Steiner attributes his home’s safety to how well it was built.
Fire Resistant Building Materials
He explained that his $9 million home was designed to withstand several natural disasters, with features like a fire-resistant roof and “like 50 feet of bedrock.” He adds that the walls are made of stucco and stone. “To be totally honest with you, I never in a million years thought a wildfire would jump to the Pacific Coast Highway and start a fire,” he explained. “I thought, ‘If we ever have an earthquake, this would be the last thing to go’. I honestly didn’t think that if we had a fire, this would be the last thing to go. And it was.”
Multiple Fires
Incredibly, the 3-story home stands among the ruins left behind by the LA wildfire. Perhaps, it speaks to the craftsmanship of the 4,200 sq ft home. Sadly, the area had several factors working against it when the LA wildfire hit. Some examples include high winds and a lack of rain or humidity. However, perhaps the biggest contributor to the widespread damage is that the LA wildfire is actually multiple fires that occurred at the same time, according to Independent.
Safe and Grateful
Fortunately, Steiner and his family were away from the home at the time the LA wildfire broke out. However, Steiner notes that the home suffered from severe smoke damage, for which insurance will cover about half.
Furthermore, Steiner recognizes how lucky he and his family are compared to others who’ve lost more. “I was getting texts from people saying, ‘We’re praying for you. It’s so horrible’. I said, ‘Don’t pray for me – what I lost is material goods’, I lost a property, but others lost their homes,” he said. “I didn’t have my family’s mementos there. It wasn’t my family home. My heart goes out to those who lost their homes.”
Impacting LA County
Around 100,000 citizens have been evacuated since January 7, 2025, and 8 fires were blazing through LA county including the first to start in the Palisades. Sadly, an estimated 12,000 homes and businesses, according to CBS, and over 20,000 acres of LA county have burnt. Moreover, a handful of fatalities have been identified.
Although LA’s fire season is typically May to October, experts warn that factors like climate change will make weather patterns and natural disasters less predictable and likely more severe.
Rightly, the deadly and unexpected wildfire has been a frequently discussed topic in recent weeks and people are anxiously watching their homes and memories disappear, while people around the nation are watching their loved ones suffer. However, first responders are working tirelessly to keep residents and their homes safe.
Slow but Steady Progress
Sadly, the LA wildfire is only 14% contained but communities have band together to support one another. Meanwhile, investigators have also been working round the clock to identify the cause of the LA wildfire.
Purportedly, an arrest has been made in connection with one, possibly 2 of the fires according to Fox11. Bizarrely, the man in custody was seen earlier in the day riding his bike through several Palisades neighborhoods with a blow torch. According to reports from neighbors in the area he was attempting to set fire to old Christmas trees and they followed him for some time before contacting law enforcement to intervene. However, the man’s identity and several other details remain unclear as the investigation is ongoing.
Disruptions from LA Wildfire
Steiner’s home is designed to withstand numerous incidents and tragedies and it seemingly delivered. Despite suffering some smoke damage, the home remains intact, and his family is safe. Sadly, that’s not the case for everyone.
Rather, thousands of people lost their homes and businesses including celebrities like Paris Hilton and the LA Lakers’ head coach, JJ Redick. However, some lost more- their loved ones or their lives. According to USA TODAY the death toll is up to 24. While it’s sad that anybody lost their lives, some scenes are more gruesome than others, highlighting how quickly the dangers of LA wildfire spread. For instance, one man’s body was found, still holding the garden hose. His family later found him on the side of the home and an autopsy revealed he’d died of smoke inhalation.
Meanwhile, a father died with his son, who suffered from Cerebral Palsy. The LA wildfire touched down in their yard and he ran inside to save his son. Sadly, they didn’t make it out in time.
LA Wildfire Sparks Material Discussion
While this tragedy is ongoing, and no one knows the total loss until it’s over, the community and people across the nation have come together to offer supplies, food and shelter for people or pets, and an array of other goods and services to help keep up morale and support those who’ve lost everything or tirelessly working to save what’s left. Furthermore, the fact that Steiner’s house is still standing speaks to the significance of having a soundly built home.
For instance, if you live in an area like California or Nevada, consider similar building materials. The cost of materials may vary depending on where you live so not every option will be readily available. However, materials like stone, stucco, or concrete are worth exploring with your contractor, designer, or anyone who has a hand in building your next home because they may have access to the materials or recommend similar and more affordable options with the ability to withstand high temperatures such as those caused by the LA wildfire.
In contrast, if you live somewhere like Florida, you may get more out of Steiner’s decision to use so much bedrock. He explained that its purpose is to prevent damage from large waves and heavy winds.
Either way, the LA wildfires are trending, and people everywhere are closely monitoring the updates and tracking the outcome.