Malibu miracle: Fire-resistant villa withstands devastating blaze
Since last week, Los Angeles has been battling the worst series of fires in the region's history. The fires have forced thousands of residents to evacuate and have destroyed many homes. However, amidst the ruins stands an almost untouched luxury villa.
The fires, which started on 7th January in Los Angeles, also reached the city of Malibu on the Pacific coast, part of the same metropolitan area. According to the "Daily Mail," among the devastated properties in Malibu stood a three-storey residence belonging to David Steiner, a retired waste management entrepreneur.
Fire-resistant roof saved the house
David Steiner's property is valued at £7 million. According to the owner, it was designed to withstand earthquakes and other catastrophes that might strike California.
David Steiner's house measures approximately 400 square metres, has four bedrooms, and features an extraordinarily durable, specially designed structure. It consists of plaster and stone walls, a fire-resistant roof, and piles driven 15 metres deep into the bedrock to withstand the impact of waves.
If there's ever an earthquake here, it will be the last thing standing – said Steiner in an interview with the "New York Post".
"Miracle" in Malibu
The retired businessman admitted that when he saw footage of flames nearly touching his home, he was convinced he would lose it. Yet the building withstood. – It's a miracle – he said, as quoted by the "New York Post".
Steiner noted that the villa is not his primary residence and that his family only visits it occasionally.