How Was It Built... The Identity of a Perfectly Intact 3-Story House in a Wildfire Devastated Area

"Thanks to a Concrete-Based Design"
"Built to Withstand Even Earthquakes"

As the damage to residents grows due to a massive wildfire in Los Angeles (LA), California, USA, a house that alone withstood the flames amidst the ashes is becoming a hot topic.

According to the New York Post and others on the 10th (local time), one of the simultaneous LA wildfires, the 'Palisades Fire,' swept through Malibu, burning many houses lined along the coastline. As a result, most houses were either destroyed or left with only their frames, causing significant damage. However, a single white three-story house was found intact, drawing attention. This house belonged to David Steiner, a lawyer and former CEO of the waste management company 'Waste Management.'

On the 9th (local time), a residential area in Malibu, Los Angeles (LA), USA. Only the white building in the center remains standing without being burned. Photo by AFP Yonhap News

Steiner said immediately after hearing the wildfire news, "I thought I had lost my house." But then he kept receiving messages from acquaintances. They informed him that photos of his house standing tall amidst the debris were becoming a hot topic.

Steiner explained that his house did not burn down thanks to its concrete-based design. He said the house was built with a strong structure to withstand not only fires but also earthquakes. The roof of the building was made with fire-resistant materials, and a foundation 15 meters deep into the bedrock was constructed to endure strong waves. It is known that Steiner only stayed there briefly when necessary.

He said, "I receive text messages from acquaintances saying, 'We are praying for you,'" and added, "At those times, I say, 'Please don't pray for me; I lost property, but others lost their homes.'" He continued, "I offer my condolences to those who lost their homes."

Meanwhile, various possibilities, from arson to electrical facility issues, have been raised as causes of the LA wildfire. Although damages are already expected to reach 200 trillion won, the damage is expected to increase as the wildfire has not yet been contained. So far, 24 people have died, over 12,000 buildings have burned, and the containment rate remains minimal. California Governor Gavin Newsom said in an interview with NBC that this wildfire could be recorded as the worst natural disaster in U.S. history.