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California Fires

This is the reason why this is the only house standing after the fires in Malibu: “It’s a miracle”

One homeowner in Malibu described his home remaining unaffected during the Palisades Fire as a “miracle.” His neighbors weren’t so lucky.

An aerial view shows debris from burned properties, as powerful winds fueling devastating wildfires in the Los Angeles area force people to evacuate, in Malibu, California, U.S. January 10, 2025. REUTERS/Daniel Cole
Daniel ColeREUTERS

One retiree in Malibu is describing the survival of his home during the Palisades Fire as a miracle. David Steiner, whose $9 million home remains standing, is one of the few whose property was spared among a row of homes destroyed by the blaze that has consumed more than 22,000 acres since Monday in Los Angeles County. Steiner spoke with the New York Post about his experience.

Fire experts note that while Steiner’s story might feel miraculous, this phenomenon is not uncommon. Fires are inherently unpredictable, and embers can travel significant distances, burning one home to the ground while leaving its neighbor untouched.

Burnt-down beachfront homes stand in ruin along the road to Malibu, as powerful winds fueling devastating wildfires in the Los Angeles area force people to evacuate, California, U.S. January 8, 2025. REUTERS/Mike Blake           SEARCH "CALIFORNIA WILDFIRES" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES.           TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
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Burnt-down beachfront homes stand in ruin along the road to Malibu, as powerful winds fueling devastating wildfires in the Los Angeles area force people to evacuate, California, U.S. January 8, 2025. REUTERS/Mike Blake SEARCH "CALIFORNIA WILDFIRES" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. TPX IMAGES OF THE DAYMike BlakeREUTERS

The fire ecosystem around Malibu

Residents of Malibu are no strangers to such destruction; fires capable of damaging or destroying homes occur every few years. The ocean often serves as a natural barrier, halting fires as they descend the Santa Monica Mountains, much like it did earlier this week when the fire ignited in the area north of Pacific Palisades. For context, the 2018 Woolsey Fire devastated nearly 97,000 acres and destroyed 1,643 structures, including both homes and businesses.

Steiner said that he continued to receive photos from the area, and each time, he was able to breathe a sigh of relief that his house was still standing. “It’s a miracle, miracles never stop,” said the Malibu homeowner.

Read more: Palisades Fire inches closer to Mandeville Canyon, threatening homes: This is the affected area

What was the origin of the Palisades Fire?

The origin of the Palisades Fire remains under investigation. As of Saturday afternoon, the fire was 11 percent contained and had claimed the lives of at least three individuals. It continues to spread, fueled by light winds in the area. Currently, Mandeville Canyon Road is considered the most at-risk area, with first responders working to prevent the fire’s advance toward Encino.

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