Amid the devastating Los Angeles wildfires, a $9 million property owned by retired businessman David Steiner has captured national attention for remaining completely untouched, while thousands of other structures were reduced to ashes.
The raging wildfires have consumed over 20,000 acres, with reports indicating more than 5,000 buildings destroyed, including homes, businesses, and landmarks. Among the victims are celebrities such as Anna Faris, Eugene Levy, and Paris Hilton.
Authorities have confirmed that some fires were deliberately set, including the Kenneth Fire near Calabasas and Hidden Hills. A suspect was arrested after locals spotted him trying to ignite garbage cans and trees.
Despite the overwhelming destruction, Steiner’s home stood strong against the inferno, thanks to its unique construction. Built to withstand earthquakes, the house features ultra-sturdy materials such as stucco, stone, a fireproof roof, and pilings drilled 50 feet into the bedrock.
“I never thought a wildfire would jump the Pacific Coast Highway and reach my property,” Steiner told The New York Post. “I assumed an earthquake would test its limits, not a fire.”
When the fire broke out, Steiner received a call from a contractor who assumed his house was doomed after seeing neighboring properties engulfed in flames. However, the property defied all expectations, earning it the title of “Last House Standing” among locals.
While Steiner is grateful for the survival of his property, he remains empathetic toward those who lost their homes. “We need to pray for the families who have lost everything,” he said. “For me, this is just a house, not a home filled with family memories.”
Experts credit the home’s fire-resistant features, combined with advanced engineering, for its miraculous survival. Steiner’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of resilient construction in disaster-prone areas.
