California home survives wildfire but destroyed by landslide

A home in Pacific Palisades, California, that had narrowly escaped destruction by wildfires was later split in half by a landslide. The incident occurred a week after the fire and is believed to have been caused by water used to extinguish the blaze, which weakened the soil. "This is devastating. I didn’t realize it was this bad," said Bryan Kirkwood, a private security guard hired by local residents.

The rental property, located on Castellammare Drive, was listed for $14,000 per month and described as an "exclusive villa with panoramic ocean views." It was built in 1952 and renovated in 2021.

Los Angeles Fire Department Capt. Erik Scott stated that the infrastructure under thousands of homes might be compromised due to recent events. "We’re not out of the woods yet," he warned regarding potential future rains and mudslides.

Efforts are underway to address the unstable soil conditions in areas affected by fires. Los Angeles County Public Works Director Mark Pestrella said plans are being developed to manage debris during rain events.

Wildfires continue to burn in Southern California, with significant damage reported from the Palisades and Eaton fires. Over 40,700 acres have been scorched, destroying more than 12,300 structures. The disaster has claimed at least 27 lives, with 31 people still missing.

Residents eager to return home face delays due to safety concerns over hazardous materials present in debris. Cleanup efforts will only begin after inspections for toxic substances are completed.

Realtor.com is collaborating with the REALTORS Relief Foundation to support victims of these wildfires by providing urgent housing-related assistance.