The recent wildfires in Los Angeles have leveled many neighborhoods, leaving hundreds and thousands of homes in ashes. However, a few houses have remained untouched, raising questions about how they managed to withstand the flames.
Two homes have gone viral for surviving the wildfires. Some architects have come out to explain why they think the houses survived.
Pacific Palisades Home
No words really - just a horror show. Some of the design choices we made here helped. But we were also very lucky. pic.twitter.com/kpqfiRj49M
— g chasen (@ChasenGreg) January 9, 2025
The Pacific Palisades Fire, which began on Jan. 7, has become one of the most devastating wildfires in Los Angeles's history. According to NBC News, the flames scorched over 40,000 acres, destroyed approximately 12,000 homes, and claimed at least 25 lives. However, one house remained standing.
The property, designed by architect Greg Chasen, has survived the flames. In fact, the home remains "totally livable," he added in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
Someone on the platform said numerous features, such as there being no vegetation, fire-resistant roof and siding, and a brick-and-mortar retaining wall, helped the home survive the flames. The architect also added that the property's lack of vents or eaves, its tempered glass windows, and the "solid concrete perimeter" also helped keep the house from burning down.
Read more: LA Wildfire Victims Face Massive Price Gouging As Some Landlords Demand Twice the Rental Price
'Miracle' Malibu Mansion
How Malibu’s ‘miracle’ mansion survived the LA wildfires — thanks to architecture and a little luck https://t.co/aIyzw1v1WA pic.twitter.com/Fp29LYC6ce
— New York Post (@nypost) January 14, 2025
Another remarkable survival story from the LA wildfires is the $9 million mansion owned by retired waste management executive David Steiner. The property initially appeared to have been lost in the blaze, but later, news footage revealed that it was still standing and unscathed.
Steiner attributed the house's survival to the stucco, stone, and fireproof roof. According to the New York Post, the pilings, which are "50 feet into the bedrock," could also be responsible.
Current Situation in Los Angeles
Five significant wildfires are still burning in Los Angeles, with the Palisades Fire and Eaton Fire being the most destructive. The former is just 14% contained, while the Eaton Fire has burned over 14,000 acres and is 33% contained.
More than 205,000 residents have been ordered to evacuate. The flames have also destroyed or damaged between $135 billion and $150 billion in property.
