Imperfect Paradise: Is it possible to build a fire-proof house?

Some of the most striking images to come out of the Los Angeles wildfires are photos of a single intact house, surrounded by rubble. We wondered: why do some houses burn down and not others? Is it possible to build a fire-proof house? Imperfect Paradise host Antonia Cereijido, correspondent Emily Guerin, and host of the LAist Studios podcast The Big Burn Jacob Margolis, look at what preventative measures you can take to try to save your house in a wildfire. Plus, we meet a man who tried to build a fire-proof house and a woman who lost everything, yet chose to rebuild in exactly the same place. To see photos of the bunker home in Topanga Canyon: Eaton Fire Ring Cam footage: Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety homes on fire video: This LAist podcast is supported by Amazon Autos. Buying a car used to be a whole day affair. Now, at Amazon Autos, you can shop for a new, used, or certified pre-owned car whenever, wherever. You can browse hundreds of vehicles from top local dealers, all in one place. Amazon.com/autos Grow your business–no matter what stage you're in. Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at SHOPIFY.COM/paradise Learn more about the rich traditions and vibrant voices of Native California at Visit to receive a FREE Preppi Emergency Kit (with any purchase over $100) and be prepared for the next wildfire, earthquake or emergency! Support for this podcast is made possible by Gordon and Dona Crawford, who believe that quality journalism makes Los Angeles a better place to live.

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Imperfect Paradise: Is it possible to build a fire-proof house? is an episode from The Big One: Your Survival Guide by LAist Studios.

This episode is 42:26 long.

This episode was published on Jan 29, 2025.

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