Although his neighbors’ properties were left to rubble, a US businessman has explained why he believes his property was saved from the flames of the wildfires in Los Angeles. After the devastating Palisades fire destroyed much of his neighborhood, David Steiner’s $9 million Malibu villa stands as the only home still intact on his property. The fire, which ravaged over 20,000 acres, was one of several fires that were burning across Los Angeles County. While firefighters have successfully put out three of these fires, the damage caused by the flames has been extensive.

Steiner’s home, which is nestled among the scenic hills of Malibu, was in the direct path of the fire, yet it remained untouched. Many of the surrounding houses were destroyed, their remnants reduced to smoldering ruins. In an interview, Steiner shared his thoughts on why his property managed to survive the intense flames when so many others did not. He believes that a combination of factors played a role, including the design of the home, the materials used, and the efforts he had taken to create a defensible space around the property.

According to Steiner, his home was built with fire-resistant materials, a decision made long before the fire season arrived. The exterior of the villa is made of non-combustible materials, which can withstand extreme heat and flames. Additionally, the landscaping around the property was intentionally designed to reduce the risk of fire spreading. Firebreaks, defensible zones, and carefully spaced vegetation all contributed to the home’s survival.

Steiner also credits the efforts of the firefighters who worked tirelessly to contain the flames and protect the homes in their path. He said that while his villa was spared, many of his neighbors were not so fortunate. The scale of the destruction in the area was staggering, with families losing everything to the fire. In the face of such devastation, Steiner expressed his gratitude for the safety of his family and his property.

The Malibu villa stands as a testament to the importance of fire-conscious construction and preparation, particularly in areas prone to wildfires. While the fire continues to wreak havoc across the region, Steiner remains hopeful that lessons learned from this tragedy can help mitigate future risks and better protect communities in fire-prone areas.