During the devastating Los Angeles wildfires, David Steiner’s $9 million Malibu villa was the only property left untouched in his neighborhood, while over 20,000 acres burned, destroying thousands of homes and businesses. Steiner described his shock, stating, “[The contractor] saw my neighbor’s house going down and told me, ‘It looks like your house is going too.’” Instead, his villa, built to withstand earthquakes, emerged as the “last house standing.”
Steiner attributes his home’s survival to its design, which he described as “built like a cruise ship” with “ultra-sturdy construction,” fireproof materials, and deep pilings anchoring it to bedrock. Despite the home’s resilience, he expressed humility, acknowledging others’ greater losses: “Don’t pray for me; what I lost is material goods… My heart goes out to those who lost their homes.”
The fires, intensified by strong winds and dry conditions, were among the most destructive in Los Angeles history. Authorities suspect arson in at least one fire, with a man arrested on suspicion. Celebrities like Paris Hilton and Billy Crystal were among those who lost homes.
While grateful his house survived, Steiner noted potential smoke damage and the limits of wildfire insurance, which he says covers only “50%.” Despite the challenges, he reflected on the situation with gratitude and empathy for his affected neighbors.
