The Los Angeles wildfires have destroyed thousands of homes, leaving communities in ruins. Pacific Palisades, known for housing mega-celebrities, saw entire neighbourhoods reduced to ashes. Over 10,000 buildings burned, and at least 180,000 people evacuated. The fires claimed 11 lives and caused over $150 billion in damages, making it one of California’s worst disasters. Amid this devastating destruction, a single house in Pacific Palisades survived. Surrounded by charred remains, it stands as a rare miracle. Actor James Woods and retired executive David Steiner shared emotional accounts of their homes defying the flames while others were lost.
A Miracle Amid the Chaos
The Oscar-nominated actor James Wood believed he had lost his newly renovated home to the raging flames. He described the scene as chaotic and terrifying. He recalled when he and his family evacuated with nothing but the clothes on their backs. “There was so much chaos. It was like an inferno,” Woods stated during a CNN interview. Moreover, he added that every house around his was on fire.
Read more: Los Angeles Declares a State of Emergency Due to a Wildfire
The actor shared on X that his home miraculously survived despite its destruction. He also recounted rescuing his 94-year-old neighbour with dementia during the evacuation, showing the community’s resilience amidst the disaster.
Similarly, David Steiner, a retired waste-management executive, was convinced his $9 million mansion was lost. Flames and smoke surrounded his property, and neighbours’ homes were nothing but ashes. Yet, when David received updates, he was shocked to learn his three-story structure had withstood the flames. “It’s a miracle—miracles never cease,” Steiner said, describing his home as an example of hope.
How Did The “Last House Standing” Survive?
The secret to David Steiner’s home’s survival lies in its ultra-sturdy construction. Designed with earthquakes in mind, his property featured fire-resistant materials like stucco and stone and a fireproof roof. The foundation includes pilings that reach 50 feet into the bedrock, adding exceptional stability. These design features originally meant to safeguard the property from seismic activity and crashing waves, inadvertently protected it from the firestorm.
Experts say building homes like this could be a smart way to protect against wildfires in the future. However, these kinds of materials and designs are extremely expensive. That means not many would be able to afford them, leaving most homes at risk when disasters like the Pacific Palisades fire strike.
The wildfires have left a heavy toll on the community. Reports estimate that 11 people have died, 10,000 buildings have been destroyed, and $150 billion in economic losses have occurred. While the fires may have taken much, they also reveal the miracles that emerge from preparation and hope.
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