In the midst of the devastating Los Angeles wildfires, a remarkable story of resilience has emerged. David Steiner’s $9 million Malibu mansion stands as the sole surviving structure in its neighborhood, leaving many to wonder how it managed to escape the ravages of the fire.
The Palisades fire, one of the eight wildfires raging across Los Angeles County, has already destroyed over 20,000 acres of land, claiming more than 5,000 homes and businesses in its wake. The inferno has left a trail of devastation, with many celebrities, including Paris Hilton and Billy Crystal, losing their homes.
Steiner, a retired waste-management tycoon, was shocked to learn that his property had miraculously survived the fire. Initially, he had feared the worst, believing that his three-story house, which was vacant at the time, had fallen victim to the flames.
However, as news of his mansion’s survival spread, Steiner began receiving calls and messages from friends and acquaintances, congratulating him on his luck. The mansion, which Steiner describes as being “built like a cruise ship,” was designed to withstand earthquakes, with an ultra-sturdy construction that proved resilient against the wildfire.
The 4,200-square-foot, four-bedroom home features a fireproof roof, stone and stucco walls, and pilings that extend 50 feet into the bedrock, providing stability and support. Steiner credits these design elements for the mansion’s miraculous survival.
While Steiner is grateful that his mansion survived the fire, he is also mindful of the devastation that has affected many others in Los Angeles. He acknowledges that he is among the fortunate ones, and his heart goes out to those who have lost their homes and memories.
Steiner’s mansion may have survived the fire, but he is aware that the road to recovery will be long and challenging. With insurance covering only 50% of the damages, Steiner is bracing himself for the financial implications of the fire. Nevertheless, he remains grateful for the miraculous survival of his mansion, and his thoughts are with those who have been less fortunate.
