CNA Fact-check: The real reason some houses are left unscathed in the Los Angeles fires
Compiled by Hans Ngala
As the wildfires in Los Angeles, California continue to wreak havoc, reducing homes to a little more than piles of ash and rubble, some other structures have been left standing, most of them churches.
Many have taken to social media to celebrate these โmiraclesโ but could something else be missing? We sought to find out the facts and here are three things we found:
- Most of the houses that survived the fires were built from fire-resistant material
While some people celebrate the miracles behind the survival of churches and the notable mansion in Malibu, experts have found that the surviving buildings were made of fireproof material. The churches left standing in the Palisades or the Malibu mansion were all built out of bricks and other fire-resistant materials that ensured fire could not destroy them. The designer of the Malibu mansion, Gregg Chasen, even said that he purposely ensured that the house was built of concrete walls. A Bloomberg news report states:
โSome of the fire-proofing decisions made by Chasen stand out in the picture. The yard is a protected area free of vegetation, fenced off by cast-in-place concrete garden walls, with landscaping in a sparse Mediterranean desert style. The homeโs owner has been through fires before, so he was prepared: He removed trash cans and other loose items from around the house and even left the side gates open, knowing that a fire can spread along a fence to a houseโ.
2. The Role of โPreparation and Mitigationโ in Fire Survival
Harry Statterโs comment about the importance of preparation and mitigation is backed by fire safety experts. The term “Class A-rated roofs” refers to roofing materials that have been tested and rated for their ability to withstand fire. Class A materials (such as asphalt shingles, metal, or concrete tiles) are the most fire-resistant and provide the best protection. Ember-resistant vents are designed to prevent embers from entering a home through small openings, which can be a major cause of fire spread. Double-paned windows help reduce the risk of ignition from external heat by providing a thermal barrier. These preventive measures are vital in protecting homes during wildfires, as embers can travel long distances and ignite homes that are not adequately prepared.
3. Wooden Structures and Earthquake Resistance
Historically, the West Coast, particularly California, has experienced both frequent earthquakes and wildfires. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, California encouraged the use of wood-frame structures due to their flexibility and ability to withstand seismic activity better than heavier materials. Wood-frame buildings are lightweight and less likely to collapse during an earthquake. However, in the context of wildfires, wood is highly flammable, which becomes a problem during fire seasons. Over time, building codes in California have evolved, and fire-resistant materials are more commonly used today. The transition to more fire-resistant designs is a response to the increasing frequency of wildfires in the region, though it is true that earlier building practices favored wooden structures due to earthquake concerns.
In conclusion, the survival of certain homes during wildfires is often due to a combination of fire-resistant materials, strategic preparation, and modern mitigation techniques rather than any supernatural or miraculous causes.
