The recent wildfires have devastated hundreds of families, claiming 16 lives and destroying over 10,000 homes in Los Angeles, however, amidst the destruction in Malibu, one house stands unhurt.
David Steiner, a 64-year-old Texas businessman, lawyer, and former head of Waste Management Inc., is the owner of the $9 million mansion that survived the wildfire.
His 4,200-square-foot, three-story home is the only building in Los Angeles that withstood the fire, which ravaged 35,000 acres.
The owner upon learning that his house had survived the blaze that destroyed everything in his neighborhood, was shocked and described it as a “miracle.”
Steiner believes the survival of his home can be attributed to its construction.
He pointed to the use of stucco, stone materials, and a non-combustible roof, additionally, the house was reinforced to withstand powerful waves, with pilings extending 50 feet below the seabed for stability.
Though Steiner had built the house to withstand earthquakes, he never imagined that a forest fire would reach his property.
“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,” Steiner stated during an interview with a US-based news outlet.
