With Palisades looking 'like an apocalypse,' fire resistant home owners left with 'survivors guilt'

The owners of a home left standing amid the Palisades Fire say they are feeling "survivors guilt" after homes around were reduced to ash and rubble amid the LA fires.
The home, built with a fire-resistant fiber cement, a planted roof, and sprinkler nozzles that spray out Phos-Chek fire retardant, was designed by owner and architect Michael Kovac, who said the deign was built with awareness of California wildfires. Kovac evacuated the home with his wife, Dr. Karina Maher.
“We’re not going to turn the climate ship around any time soon. So in the meantime, whether it's dealing with floods in the Southeast, or hurricanes, or wildfires in California, we have to be realistic about what the threats are and design accordingly,” Kovac said.

[@thaigirl7152]

They should be viewed as proactive and prepared.

[@Here4TheHeckOfIt]

Yup. Cost prohibitive for most of California though

[@georgewashington3555]

More reports and videos should be made on fire proof houses. Even government should start compilling examples of houses that survived and why.

[@roslynianson4635]

​@Here4TheHeckOfIt A Basic High Power Sprinkler System, linked to a Petrol Driven Pump (Housed in Fireproof Shed) connected to Water Tanks/Swimming Pool & can be remotely activated via Telephone can be cost effective. The equipment & technology has been available in Australia for at least 40 years but the majority are not aware/informed. Proactive Council's would facilitate installation of these measures by offering Incentive ie Rates Reduction/Pay % of the Installation Cost etc., but unfortunately seem totally unaware of this basic System. A $2million Home saved by a $10,000-$20,000 investment.

[@sheridan1887]

​@Here4TheHeckOfItprohibitive until the fires come and burn everything down. But hey, theres insurance and...taxpayers.

[@hijackhypergamy]

The grasshopper vs the ant

[@topschlager7856]

Smart people. We should take them as an example.

[@MrDavfit]

why did so many ignore this process

[@Cheeseyman]

It’s expensive

[@lafabricadebodas]

No dude. This is what architects , all of them are suppose to do!! The rest took the easy way to design!! Design saves lives. The rest failed!!

[@lafabricadebodas]

​@@MrDavfitbecause the rest of the architects are mediocre.........

[@New-bw4kz]

Because those materials are very expensive. Ca should make it a norm and make material prices affordable

[@mmvm562]

Please do not feel guilty at all. You invested in that type of construction just to get what you got ..Protection against fire ..that's what they sold you ... .Simple as that ...Congrats and a big hug

[@sarzorro]

I agree. With climate change getting worse Californians and other people in fire prone areas are going to have to use building strategies like this just like they do with earthquakes, flooding and other natural disasters

[@starseed1211]

@@mmvm562 Climatechange? It’s actually called DEW. There is plenty of literature out there just look for it. It’s amazing what you can discover…

[@semperfi6801]

@@sarzorro Not so much climate change as it is people not willing to observe history and change their ways. These types of fires have been coming through California for decades now and the Santa Anna winds have been around for centuries. Man refuses to learn from the past fires and build better homes. Just like people who build upon rivers and ocean fronts, and then when they're washed away, they blame the climate. Has more to do with where and how you want to build your home than climate.

[@jasonclay6218]

It isn't the climate, it's the failure of the state to clear up dead vegetation or do controlled burns. They would rather protect a rat that human. In all likelihood these were arson fires. Add the wind and dead vegetation, that has zero to do with climate. One further thing is they wait until the fires started before doing fire breaks. Those are things that should always be managed, but when you cut the fire budget, that's what happens. ​@sarzorro

[@shooster5884]

This fire started and grew so fast in the wind...I don't believe anything bar a half mile wide dead zone around the whole area could have given any fire department any chance of saving the area decimated. This couple certainly can give advice to anyone planning to rebuild their homes there... The house worked exactly as they planned it to and in the worst fire conditions imaginable. They should let that ease their survivor's guilt... they can really help their neighbours and those in other areas threatened by fire by their house being shown like this and how it survived..

[@user-wd3po8sd7k]

All houses in California should be built like this. It needs to be attainable for all.

[@New-bw4kz]

Exactly!!

[@DOMINICNTHENGE-ru6uq]

So you mean they should continue being far away from God

[@Plutogalaxy]

Yeah but only California because fires never happen anywhere else.

[@lorrie5881]

Not ALL of California is THIS fire prone

[@user-wd3po8sd7k]

@ when I was a child, our house burned down in California. It was devastating. I think it would be wise to have all new homes, built fire resistant.

[@julieb7785]

Obviously successful, but they exemplify thoughtfulness and humility, which are values too many Americans have lost.

[@b.schannell747]

The world

[@anaogle-watson9561]

This is amazing. You should go out to the Government officials and show them all research you did and work to make this affordable for everyone. Thank you.

[@power2me1]

You're not from California. The state and city governments are famously inept and difficult, known more for waste and failure than anything. Our road will be tough for a while here I'm afraid.

[@joannacurran8475]

National building laws need to be appropriate and enforced. To most of us outside of US it is imaginable the number of people who live in mobile homes ans flimsy stick wood houses. They are so vulnerable.

[@anaogle-watson9561]

My sister lives in San Diego , I know the difficulties people face there with the building codes!

[@Doz-y2k]

They were smart builders. Much respect to them.

[@rosemarytony635]

Wise people!

[@rivgacooper5330]

What an deeply thoughful and intelligent couple the come across as being. Classic example of hope for the best plan for the worst.

[@Here4TheHeckOfIt]

A lesson on how to live with Mother Nature

[@Celisar1]

What a nice couple. Look how close they sit. So cute.

[@1Channel1]

Your sarcasm is duly noted!

[@OuterSpace-1-0.0]

its a small couch

[@lillecitadelle1588]

Bravo! Finally people understand how to not repeat the same disaster by not building wood house! The first time I arrived in the US and as French I was shocked about the wood house construction 🤯 I said to myself did they never read the 3 little pigs house story ?? And when I arrive in the US and ready to purchase a house I selected a block house! Never I will buy a wood house! And also when you look the area of tornado disaster the house on the ground are WOOD house! It is look like the builder/ développer company doing it just to be sure to have more work after disaster! So sometime is better to have smaller house with strong material that bigger house with wrong material because cheaper!

[@Ryan_Christopher]

Speak for yourself. France never had thousands of victorious returning GIs after WW2. Your soldiers lost to the Germans, and had no government-assistance to buy new houses after their tours of duty. Most of America’s houses are built of wood because it is a cheap and abundant resource, and thousands were built for returning soldiers who could not wait for slowly-built brick houses. Furthermore, is France susceptible to Earthquakes? That’s the reason brick structures are not common in California. Houses need to sway with the tremors, not collapse under the shaking.

[@sohara....]

Isn't there a famous American architect who built earthquake resistant buildings, and they weren't made of wood? And they did survive earthquakes. .

[@Ryan_Christopher]

@@sohara.... “Houses” are not “Buildings.” All those commercial buildings downtown are made of concrete and steel, and are earthquake resistant. Most of these houses are decades-old, built when land was cheap and then passed down to family inheritors.

[@ShellyBomb]

​@@sohara....Yes, probably Frank Lloyd Wright - back in the day ... 🏠

[@zie9171]

Some of the homes that have gone were magnificent. This one isn't attractive to me but at least it is still standing. Yes this lady is correct Americsns come together, unit, work together gor change. Change of policies, elected officials, policies etc. You are also too clever a nation to be held to ransome by healthcare and insurance companies.

[@rambo321]

Rebuild fire-proof and earthquake proof is the new way to survive in California

[@lillecitadelle1588]

Yes but it is not the first time that you rebuild part of California! So why you all the time didn’t do it? How many disaster you need to understand to not repeat the same mistake by building cheap wood house!! You never read the 3 little pigs house story ?? 🤯🤯🤯 Use your brain instead to complain every time! The house buyers are responsible in this situation! Worth will be the one who purchase a land and build a wood house on it! Be responsible and try to have a smaller house with the perfect material instead to have a big house in wood but cheaper!

[@verseau8360]

Yes! And drought resistant too. And every swimming pool must have a pump/sprinkler to be used for fire events

[@olestokke]

@@lillecitadelle1588It is important to remember that most of the biggest wildfires in California has happened after 2017 though

[@runderwo]

Nonsense. California has a very long history of forest fires. Fire suppression policy between the 1940s and 2000s "worked" in the sense that it produced the false sense of security needed to finance building homes in fire-prone areas. Now that the government is incompetent and/or malevolent, natural events are dominating once more.

[@ShellyBomb]

​​@@lillecitadelle1588🧐 ~ Hello! It's NOT just Californians! People often rebuild in hurricane 🌀, tornado 🌪️ & flood 💦 zones again & again across the United States!!! 🫡

[@eileenfrank3686]

The thought has passed my mind that those very few people who have a home after the fires in this area are put out will have a different life now. Their neighbors, their homes, and the entire area looks like an atom bomb was dropped. They must feel like they climbed out of a bomb shelter and everything around them is destroyed. Very strange times.

[@semperfi6801]

They were the smart ones that will survive in the end. We see how many now will not make it.

[@AsuriSaran]

Excellent coverage and i really appreciate their sincere feeling....

[@A.Rose.G]

Don't feel guilty. The next few years will likely be hard if you remain with reconstruction around you and living there. Smoke damage and toxic. And it will be rebuilt. Hopefully with thought and care like you two did.

[@renel7303]

Exactly this. For anyone whose house survived the neighborhood will be basically unliveable for a few years. So much infrastructure needs fixing as well.

[@selena3957]

Succulents everywhere around their home, smart!

[@sheilaemadian]

I grew up in the Palisades, and they always told us to grow ice plant all around the house and get a shingle roof. We survived the 1993 Malibu fires getting to us but it was only 40 minutes from burning down the Palisades then.

[@selena3957]

@sheilaemadian It's just unbelievable to see the deviation on KZbin praying for all 🙏. But it's definitely a good idea when rebuilding to build fire proof homes.

[@reeniepm7806]

You lived for the future and you followed your gut. No need to feel guilty for anyone. Look at it as a blessing.

[@Edward-o4q]

you are blessed and highly favored

[@ravelanone9462]

No reason for guilt. One more structure that doesn't burn is one more structure that denies fuel to the fire. We need to look at house construction differently. If all the houses in that neighborhood had had fire-resistant/resilient cladding, this would have been a completely different story.

[@Victoria-gq8gt]

Youd think the rich folk would have taken out similar steps! Why didnt they? Its mind boggling. Perhaps theres too much ego and feelings of being untouchable... Do you remember when Johnny Depp's enormous estate in France was under threat of bushfires, but remained intact as Depp had the money and foresight to install sprinklers and have a water supply? He was humble and savvy enough to plan for life's vicissitudes

[@mr.t2895]

Tom Hanks home in California survived and was also fire resilient.

[@silvieb2024]

These are the rich folks. No one else can afford these measures.

[@kariolar3158]

Smart beautiful home! Don’t feel guilty. You serve as an example for people to follow.

[@PinkUrbanOasis]

Smart people. I lived in Cali for a couple of years and I couldn't believe houses had wooden frames! 😮 Europe builds with brick and mortar. I also lived on the Costa del Sol in Southern Spain for a few years and although there's many fires there the devastation isn't anywhere close to what's happening in Cali. And I've lived through wildfires in both places. My heart goes out to everyone affected my this disaster. ❤ from 🇪🇺

[@roachtoasties]

The problem with bricks and mortar are earthquakes. They won't do well. If it's not one disaster, it will be another.

[@ShellyBomb]

@LaSnob711 ~ 🔥🔥🔥 These fires were basically Acts of God; completely extreme - coupled with no rain since last May, out-of-control winds, a drought, the effects of Global Warming, etc., etc. --- the culmination of ALL these factors made it nearly impossible to get a handle on quickly! Horrific doesn't even begin to describe these war zone like neighborhoods now!!! 😢

[@Mortthemoose]

​@@roachtoasties AND being financially stable. That excludes a LOT of the world's population, sadly. If people, generally (around the world) were MORE interested and proactive in what they could do to start reversing climate change, it would be more beneficial. I can't believe so many aren't interested! 2024 was the hottest year on record worldwide, with temperatures rising by 1.6° Due to life's circumstances/chronic illnesses I don't have children. It beggars believe that people that DO have children and grandchildren aren't pro-active and more vocal with regards to climate change!

[@silvieb2024]

​​​@@MortthemooseYou still believe them?

[@Lacey13-i3b]

A beautiful home, and smart. These ideas need to be used re-building, and especially for schools and libraries and public buildings.

[@power2me1]

Imagine your house survives, now you live in an apocalypse, and then a construction zone, for the next 5 years.

[@a-love-supremist]

inside the house you'd never know it

[@silvieb2024]

​@@a-love-supremistoptimist, I see😅

[@twitteringothers5059]

I would rather be that a million times over rather than lose a home and having to rebuild everything from scratch.

[@Raelven]

A planted roof, wow. Very innovative. They were prepared.

[@Mortthemoose]

Planted roofs have been used for years in Europe....originally designed for grazing livestock, but it's interesting that their "fireproof" roof was planted up....I would love to know more about this house. It's all really interesting, but obviously you have to have money to be able to afford all the adaptations. It's a shame that the majority of humans on this earth aren't thinking about Climate change as a whole though, especially as most families have children and grandchildren! Unbelievable really!

[@sheridan1887]

​@@Mortthemooseclimate change, global warming, global cooling. What is it going to be next?

[@silvieb2024]

​​@@sheridan1887remember the ozone layer disappearing? Another ice age? Endless threats of potential pandemics. It's all fear mongering to control us.

[@Ladybug211211]

Make this type of house affordable!

[@semperfi6801]

It already is, as it has been around for decades. I worked in a plant that was producing similar concrete siding boards and back then it wasn't as affordable but that was 20 years ago. But, everyone today wants their house to be the biggest or to be better than the Jones and Smiths. So they build cheap to meet a materialistic need instead of building wisely.

[@silvieb2024]

​@@semperfi6801Almost all people buy houses already built. There isn't any choice for the middle class.

[@scarfaceg3465]

That's amazing.

[@verseau8360]

I’ve been harping about this for years. Especially in an area where price isn’t really an issue. This area now needs to usher in a smarter way to rebuild.

[@semperfi6801]

Starts with city codes and ordinances making it mandatory to rebuild with certain materials because in another 10-20 years it will happen again.

[@ShellyBomb]

🏠 ~ This couple; not sure if they are architects or not, however, they should be heading up community rebuilding meetings & instructing their neighbors, builders + developers about rebuilding smarter. Gone are the days of old LA neighborhoods with various unique & charming architecture traversing many decades; however, if folks want to rebuild and stay in these communities their homes MUST be constructed differently. I can only imagine this couples "Survivors Guilt" and returning to their home amongst the ash and rubble of their neighbors' homes; yet, they researched and built a sustainable home - one that withstood the apocalyptic ravages of the fires 🔥🔥🔥 of January 2025!!!

[@lightchangeslife903]

THEY GOT IT PEOPLE NEED. TO TAKE SOME PAGES OUT OF THEIR BOOK THIS COUPLE WERE MADE FOR EACH OTHER GOD BLESS THEM❤❤❤

[@Me-nt3td]

This a model home in the future, more importantly, the insurance company is willing to cover the fire insurance for this fire-proof house in the future. Wonderful job you have been doing, you are the inspiration for others.

[@maryannhunwick2774]

I wonder what the cost is? Mr. Kovac should be the mayor. He knows exactly how to build. I checked out his website, fantastic. Amazing!

[@nathalie.1971]

They set an example for many… all insurance companies should offer a discount if people build like this, as an incentive.

[@fuehnix]

They made their mind to just not offer coverage lol

[@joannacurran8475]

It should be compulsory If not no insurance, no government subsidy to rebuild. Generally these houses are not more expensive to build. If you do not build a cellar, for example, that concrete could be used for above ground build etc.

[@silvieb2024]

The insurance company will consider the cost of rebuilding too high with all these special features. For example, we got a new metal roof for fire protection and our earthquake insurance premiums went sky high because it costs more to replace. One way or another, normal people won't be able to afford it.

[@terrie7814]

Everyone living in these areas were also aware of the threats of fires but were willing to take the risk. This fire unfortuanately was the ultimate fire but its still the risk one is willing to take to live in the beautiful hills of LA and beautiful surroundings. If this couple was so acutely aware and had a plan in place, why didnt others, Especially those who have the means to do so, and those who knew they would be losing their insurance coverage. There was a reason insurance co were dropping policies or raising policies, they knew the potential of fires to come based on the past and unpredictable weather patterns. So incredibly sad to have everything one day and nothing the next. Very humbling experience. Those whos homes survived are now living in a war zone, still unpredictable rain and water run off with no structures to absorb the flow, possible mud slides to come?

[@Dragonfly3000]

This couple did the most to secure their home, and the governor, mayor, and the water department didn't even do the least to protect their citizens.

[@thewordrules]

I'd bet it costs a pretty penny to afford a house like this. Many could not do this.

[@verseau8360]

But as it becomes the norm it should drive down the price. Lumber is more expensive now too

[@georgewashington3555]

Stucko houses did well also. Anyone can put cement on the outside their homes.. no wodden fences but metal fences.. or made of cement. clearing around the house. sprinkler system. Water reservoir of some kind of pool. Metal roofs.. certainly some investment but also being thoughtful.

[@semperfi6801]

Those products have been around for 30 years now and it was expensive back then. But the American way of having the biggest, the best on the block and being better than the Jones and the Smiths is why people can't afford it. It's actually very affordable today if you're building within your means but who does that these days. Plus, Americans (not all) are extremely lazy and wouldn't want to put in the work of maintaining a roof like he has. Kudos to that guy and his wife.

[@semperfi6801]

@@verseau8360 Cheap, fast grown lumber is being shipped in from Asia by the container ship load at Port Cavaneral here in Florida and then shipped all over the US. The wood is not what it used to be as it is a much lower quality.

[@user-zz3nu2xr8w]

Very humble caring couple. Glad to see their home standing 🙏🏻

[@Rexox11]

Very interesting was it the roof plantings or the structure? I'd love to hear more in depth information about their home and sources materials. So happy for this couple that their home survived. 🙏

[@Mortthemoose]

Yeah, it's fascinating isn't it. I'm in the uk. I'm wondering if perhaps Channel 4 News (uk) might do a special about this. They did a 1 hour special the other night about the CA fires.

[@scarfaceg3465]

I bet they were approved for a fire policy on their homeowners insurance.

[@juancena1117]

It sucks though. All that money being paid to the insurance to not even need it.

[@Raelven]

They should get a big discount on their policy. Any proactive design should. But insurance companies rather cancel people than give incentives.

[@40kMuses]

This should be the standard for bldg…

[@minimaladjacent]

@@juancena1117 you would still have smoke damage...and outside damage as well.

[@semperfi6801]

More than likely received nice incentives for the way they built.

[@BradPitbull]

I respect this intelligent couple 💑

[@michaelmacpherson-wm6mh]

saw a video of another home in the flatlands that had the same idea. the only home standing as far as the eye could see. it had a steel roof, metal window frames since plastic will melt. the glass was also fireproof somehow

[@andreah6379]

You were smart. Ppl often live in denial--disasters happen to others, not us.

[@jeremyhunter1459]

The absolute stark contrast of highly intelligent preparation vs the current California leadership is clear.

[@ddtz6253]

If your House is made of wood, you need be more prepared. Leave a hose permanently on the roof. You don't need fancy equipment. Put some hoses (with a blind end) at Ground level and make tiny holes on them. This rises the water pressure. Open the water for these hoses 1 hour at night. Your lawn or backyard soil will be permanently humid and will function like a fire retardant. This wont fireproof you House, but makes it less prone to catch fire fast.

[@Mariano-ni2ls]

I am a one lucky cuban, Havana resident who has been able to visit the greater L.A a couple of times, Malibu, Sta Monica, The Palisades, Burbank, Glendale, Pasadena, even the less affluent South Gate, Sun Valley, Downey and downtown... And believe me, always admire the beauty, cleanliness, eco-friendliness and magnificent services they provide to the civil, nice angelenos..these mansions, although unreachable for most people.. I always blessed those nice dwellers and felt this tragedy as my own.. All l have left is to wish a speedy recovery for these bereaved folks..both houses and environment.. With modern standards that can meet future challenges.. And wish all the best for the brave, nice people of southern California... My best wishes from Havana.

[@ConnieHatch-zl9fp]

Very smart 👌. I'm so happy for you. You deserved to have your home survive this fire. You are loved ❤. Good information to share. Great timing, you wouldn't want to wait until everyone rebuilt then say you should have done this or that. Good job 👍 👍, keep up the good work. Try not to feel guilty. I'm sure it'll take time though 😢 ❤.

[@assiyaq4346]

Don't feel guilty. You didn't start the fire. You just prepared for the worst.

[@Starfish2145]

Great. That home probably cost $3 million. This kind of design is simply not available to the average homeowner.

[@saharatopaz558]

Looks like new Aussie houses in bushfire areas...MANDATORY - ROOF SPRINKLERS - rainwater tanks - (your laws against collecting rainwater HAVE to change, not everyone can afford a pool...) - petrol generator for water pump - cement fibre cladding for walls if not brick - metal or tile roofs - spark arresting mesh on vents - encased guttering (so no leaf build up) - cladding skirt around decks ... Garden - dry enviro planting - (think Palm beach and Arizona ) - at least near the house - lush plants further into the garden if wanted - but use gravel mulch instead of bark mulch - make a DEFENSIBLE perimeter - metal fencing - steamer plants hedges in the garden that catch embers and steam, but don't readily ignite... ( Beautiful as it is ...I would remove that citriodora gum next to the house and any pine trees too - those mothers explode during fires -full of resin/oil ) Metal or stone outdoor furniture - If wooden, park it far from the house or take it indoors - fire-proof pergolas/ verandahs etc... The US has a history of ADOBE building of various types - strong thick walls that are fireproof and earthquake proof - perhaps it needs a resurgence...This fire will change building codes hopefully - more fire resistant homes...

[@WillA-h9c]

my old neighbors for many years before we moved in July. Great example of how to rebuild. We need to fined cheaper materials to achieve the same end. They are an owner/user and he is an architect so they spent the money and knew what they were doing. Would be good to achieve the same end at a lower price point for exterior siding.

[@ShellyBomb]

@WillA-h9c ~ ❤️‍🩹 - Thank you for sharing about your former neighbors. Hopefully, he / they will raise their hand/s to educate their neighbors, builders, their local planning department, etc., when the discussions for rebuilding present themselves. These two could make extraordinary changes to their community and others in Los Angeles, and beyond. I hope their knowledge can be fully gleaned & shared --- as LA county needs their wisdom. If you are still in touch with them - perhaps a gentle nudge for them to teach others would be extremely beneficial. These communities simply cannot rebuild with the materials of yesteryear ... 🫡

[@ShellyBomb]

@WillA-h9c ~ 🏠 P.S. Also, they mention "Survivors Guilt" which could certainly be lessened if they could educate others moving forward in the rebuilding process. The impact they could make within their community and others would be immeasurable - ☺️

[@JimBarcelona]

Replace the recyclable cladding with cement & its just as fireproof and 3 times cheaper according to Home Depot.

[@lorrie5881]

This man is obviously a genius....make him governor

[@FamilyMatterswithAmber]

Just watched a series of videos talking abour the 'firebrands"... And apparently they're the most dangerous part of these fires for numerous reasons. Very interesting videos on the preventative measures on many levels of protecting homes from wildfires. Smart to do so. Glad your home was not destroyed in the fire. Our hearts are with your community.

[@georgewashington3555]

that roof was great.. flat roof , soil, stones..

[@Jen-jo5qu]

This fire has taught me a lot about being PREPARED. Fire, floods, whatever it is these days--- I want to be ready. 💪

[@jackwinter1385]

You don't have to feel guilty. Your house will be an example for future houses to be built in this area.

[@AnnabethLee144]

Fantastic. Very inteligent. ❤❤❤🙏🏻

[@debbitrimberger9440]

Woooow!!! Incredible how those items all put together stood the test of fire. Great job sir. Bring this to Los Angeles city council&the building dept!

[@starseed1211]

Notice the preparation. No water in hydrants. No water in reservoirs. No fire insurance. No equipment. Well planned.

[@brucebenson5908]

There was a lot of water in the hydrants but no system anywhere is designed for the four-fold demand placed upon it. There was plenty of water in many reservoirs. One was off-line for maintenance. There was a lot of fire insurance for many people but not for everyone. There was a huge amount of equipment. Two hundred twenty trucks or more were pre-positioned and ready two days before the fire. Your ignorance is a blight on the internet that the public cannot overcome. You are a huge part of the problem with your ill-advised remarks.

[@ShellyBomb]

📢 ~ Please send this video to Governor Newsom, Mayor Bass & the Los Angeles Building Department and all those who are going to be part of the rebuilding process. Also, hopefully this smart couple will be able to assist & lead the way in a new environmentally safe & proactive plan in rebuilding many communities in Los Angeles, as well, as their own neighbors' homes! I truly hope this interview has a far wider impact ... 🙏

[@esojanacig5138]

No flammables no 🔥

[@brettwalters-n4u]

Smart people, this should be the norm for building in a fire prone area...

[@clairdelunefan]

No one should feel guilt for having the sense to "store your nuts for the winter". I live in the Bay Area and it's a lost cause trying to get many people here to prepare for an earthquake or any kind of crisis event for that matter. People just won't do it.

[@AFAskygoddess]

Surviver's guilt will eat you up. I hope they find peace and accept their blessing. My area was devastated by Hurricane Ian. I didn't even lose one roof shingle. It was hard knowing that many of my neighbors lost everything. The streets were lined ten feet high with all their belongings from the flood and sewage backup. It took weeks for FEMA trucks to start picking up the rotting debris. I'd look at it and just cry, and go home to my unscathed house.

[@carolginsberg8392]

I hope they can give a room to a couple of refugees

[@GonzaloP007]

They should! They are liberals

[@Mortthemoose]

​@@GonzaloP007 ohh.... give it rest!

[@mahalingamr8248]

But without neighbors how will be the life. Solitude.

[@Lacey13-i3b]

For some, lonely, for others, marvelous.

[@TEDBOVIS-h9n]

It will be like hell , the noise living on a building site , but now they cannot even sell their home even if they wanted to , their stuck in limbo for sure ! . . . 😮

[@georgewashington3555]

44 Republicans Voted Against Forest Management Wildfire Prevention in December In December, 44 Republicans voted against HR 10545, the American Relief Act of 2025, which provided funds for wildfire prevention measures, including $75,000,000 for the "construction or maintenance of shaded fuel breaks in the Pacific Regions.

[@mariecourtney7672]

no to minimise the loss others are experiencing.. survivors guilt is natural.. you did the right thing and your home was protected by that decision 💕😊

[@FloridaGal813]

I could never ever live in a known fire-prone area- how absolutely horrific

[@MeMeDaVinci]

You planned for the future, probably never thinking or absolutely hoping it would never happen. Please don't feel bad. We all want to learn from you. What better way to do the next thing in life than to do it right. Stay strong and we appreciate you sharing your story. ❤

[@SVmathfarmer]

These 2 are geniuses!!!! Good job - become consultants! The masses need to take notice IF they rebuild

[@saltyview]

What a beautiful home & loving couple you are. I am so sorry for everything all of you in California are going through right now. That includes the pets of course. I clicked on this as I live in BC in an area that is tinder dry & could go off like a bomb pretty much anywhere now. I am in a highly treed area overlooking the water. Some close calls & summers with smoke so thick around my house I can hardly see across the street. I don't want to move as the view is beautiful but I live in a wood frame home & watching your situation & paying more attention to the lack of attention being paid to getting on top of our fires ASAP. I am thinking of selling now. Wish I could put your house on my lot. I hope we send more help from Canada. Everyone I know just feels horrible this happened for you. I am sending hugs from all.

[@rougedcheeks5346]

Just looking at these people you can see the stress and guilt. Good luck to this couple as well as others affected by this horrific event.

[@paulbroderick8438]

Yep, concrete, steel and glass from now on!!

[@reilea9977]

Just wondering...what if all that fire resistance chemicals building the house is causing damage to their lungs?

[@VeeNessStylz]

I wouldn’t even want to live there. It will be sad to wake up to such a view.

[@darlenedeluca-s7i]

God Bless u all ! My Prayers r w/ u all !❣👃!

[@Here4TheHeckOfIt]

Many of the buildings and homes in the area were built a long time ago. It seems this couple had a chance to build in these features before moving in 4:13 These are humans living alongside nature, and if it wasn't cost prohibitive, most people would do it.

[@geriannroth449]

Incredible technology but I bet it's quite expensive too.

[@twitteringothers5059]

Why ? Why are people throwing " survivor's guilt " like it's confetti ? If they did the work, spent the money, took all the steps they DESERVED to have their homes still standing. Be proud of yourselves. You deserved this happiness. All of it.

[@artemiogatela466]

Smart...and wise

[@Wackedout]

Please teach classes that can help trade builders! Your knowledge is what is needed!

[@SHANECatLovinActivistHistorian]

it does not help to build houses so close together in a fire prone area

[@Malibukenn]

The Story of the Ant and the Grasshopper: The Grasshopper didn’t prepare for the storm, the Ant did. The grasshopper was wiped out. Elementary. 🎓🏆❤️

[@Tildaria]

Every new home in LA should be built fireproof like theirs.

[@jayellevee]

This is all so crazy.

[@uisty-yq5fj]

Thank God

[@moreton61]

So sad. Given that this has happened before on a few occasions, the government would have brought more regulations in to stop it happening again.

[@andreablackler9193]

What a great couple and great fire proofing 😊❤

[@yoshikozacharyczuk6971]

Very well thought out 😊

[@curlytoezz]

I hope they accept the fact that they were prepared and thought about this stuff. But seriously do Hope they don’t have buyers remorse if anything, you guys are very smart and prepared

[@sarahb4484]

Question when did he built the house? Just out of curiosity…

[@Blank-zz2eq]

The older homes were built to what the codes were when built the newer homes were built according to the codes when they were built a lot of the older homes will never be rebuilt unless they were owned by rich or famous people ordinary people want be able to rebuild the costs to build and meet codes will be to much for them

[@dgontar]

It doesn't look like the apocalypse. It is the apocalypse.

[@Carmen-dd4lb]

I dont understand why the other residents did not built these type of homes knowing the risk California has

[@DJ_Dutchess]

I wonder if the homes will even be inhabitable with the smoke damage 😢

[@jobuchner2563]

Feeling guilty? Why? They put the foresight and money into proper fire resistant building materials and plants according to proper fire codes in an area that has seen major fires before.

[@ShellyBomb]

@jobuchner2563 ~ ❤️‍🩹 - It's the human condition to have "Survivors Guilt" after a catastrophic event; well, if one has compassion & a soul ...

[@New-bw4kz]

Great and what’s the price tag for something like that????..

[@georgewashington3555]

there are other measures people can take. i watches many videos. people need to take it seriously and adjust as much as possible.

[@mikejohnson2152]

Looks like Mother Nature is taking back what’s her place I feel so bad for the people in in eastern Kentucky we deal with forest fire every year

[@MarleneSnelling]

Very proactive. You built for a possibility. And the idea worked. Were there naysayers I wonder?

[@truthcentral4884]

You're supposed to build a property up to code apparently that's not what's happening. They had something like this going on in Florida they have to tear down the condos

[@RaccoonRose]

They built their home correctly