Why some Malibu mansions survived devastating Los Angeles wildfires

The recent Los Angeles fires have caused significant destruction, with damage estimates ranging from $250 billion to $275 billion, according to AccuWeather. Cal Fire reports at least 24 fatalities, over 40,588 acres burned, and the destruction of 12,300 structures.

Amidst this devastation, some homes have remarkably survived. A notable example is a three-story contemporary mansion in Malibu owned by Waste Management CEO David Steiner. Despite surrounding properties being reduced to ruins, Steiner's home remained unscathed.

"I don’t use the word ‘miracle,’" Steiner stated to ABC13 Eyewitness News regarding his home's survival. He attributes its preservation to "great architecture, brave firefighters, and maybe a little dash of miracle," noting that the "concrete design" might have contributed.

Fire safety expert Daniel Vasilevski from Bright Force Electrical explains that the survival of certain homes can be due to a combination of factors such as planning, structural integrity, and environmental conditions. He emphasizes the importance of fire-resistant materials like stucco and metal for construction.

Wayne Whitney, a fire investigator with Fire Scene Analysis, adds that noncombustible roofs and walls play a crucial role in preventing ignition during firestorms. He also highlights the significance of maintaining defensible space around homes.

Tom Hanks' cliffside mansion serves as another example of resilience against wildfires. Reports suggest it features reinforced concrete and a fire-resistant roof. Fire safety expert Jessica Lauren from Fire Damaged House Aid points out that limiting vegetation near structures is vital for protection against fires.

Steiner's mansion benefits from pilings driven into bedrock for stability during seismic activity. This feature also enhances resistance to wildfires by reducing vulnerability to heat-induced ground shifting.

Environmental factors like wind patterns and topography influence wildfire behavior. Some homes may be spared due to their location relative to these elements. Journalist Alisa Wolfson experienced this firsthand when her home was destroyed while neighboring houses remained intact.

John Miller from The Expert Institute notes that variations in plant flammability can affect how fires spread across areas. Additionally, changes in wind direction can redirect flames away from certain structures.

Ultimately, luck plays an unpredictable role in determining which properties survive wildfires. Jessica Lauren reflects on her own experiences where luck spared her home despite fierce conditions elsewhere.