T
he Los Angeles fires are shaping up to be among the most destructive and costly in US history, with estimated damages between $250 billion and $275 billion, according to AccuWeather. At least 24 people have been killed, over 40,588 acres burned, and 12,300 structures destroyed, Cal Fire reports.

    Some homes, however, have miraculously survived the inferno despite being surrounded by charred ruins. Aerial photos of the Malibu coastline show a three-story contemporary mansion belonging to Waste Management CEO David Steiner standing untouched, while neighboring homes were reduced to ashes.

    Steiner credits his home's architecture and local firefighters for its survival, speculating that its concrete design helped it withstand the flames. Fire safety expert Daniel Vasilevski notes that careful planning, structural integrity, environmental factors, and sheer effort all contribute to a home's ability to survive massive fires.

    Homes made with fire-resistant materials such as stucco, metal, and stone, along with roofs of clay or metal, can increase their chances of survival. Double-glazed windows prevent heat from shattering them and allowing flames to enter the home. Sealed gaps in walls also stop smoke and fire from spreading.

    The choice of materials is crucial, Vasilevski emphasizes, as it directly impacts a structure's ability to withstand extreme fire conditions. Wayne Whitney, a fire investigator with Fire Scene Analysis, adds that homes with noncombustible roofs and exterior walls, along with plenty of defensible space around them, are more likely to survive.

    Tom Hanks' cliffside mansion in Pacific Palisades is another example of fire-resistant construction helping to save the home from the flames. The house features reinforced concrete and a fire-resistant roof, which Vasilevski credits for its survival.

    Environmental factors such as wind patterns, topography, and available fuel also play a role in determining whether a home will be spared or destroyed. Hills and canyons can funnel fire differently, meaning some homes may sit in areas less affected by radiant heat or direct flames.

    Luck can also be a factor, with changes in wind direction, natural barriers, or embers simply not landing on a house all contributing to its survival. Fire safety expert Jessica Lauren notes that luck played a role in her own home being spared from fierce Santa Anas that sent embers flying into other neighborhoods.