Little Red House Becomes Viral Sensation After Surviving Maui Fires Thanks to Unforeseen Detail
The owner of a quaint red wooden house in Lahaina, Maui, which gained widespread attention for being the sole surviving home in its neighborhood amidst devastating wildfires, has disclosed the surprising reason behind its miraculous preservation.
According to recent reports from the BBC, the wildfires that swept through Hawaii earlier this month claimed at least 114 lives and left thousands of structures in ruins.
Despite the destruction, aerial images capturing the immaculate state of the red wooden house quickly went viral last week, sparking various theories on social media about why this particular home remained untouched.
However, Dora Atwater Millikin, the homeowner, offered a plausible explanation for the house’s survival, even though it was unexpected.
“It’s a 100% wood house, so we didn’t fireproof it or anything,” she explained to the Los Angeles Times.
Dora and her husband Dudley had recently renovated the 100-year-old house they acquired in 2020, driven by their love for historic buildings. “We just wanted to honor the structure,” Dora emphasized. “We didn’t alter the building in any significant way; we simply restored it.”
However, one renovation decision inadvertently played a role in preventing the house from succumbing to the flames: replacing the asphalt roof with a heavy-gauge metal one.
During the fire, Dora recounted how burning wood debris, carried by strong winds, posed a significant threat to homes. “Pieces of burning wood, some up to 12 inches long, were flying through the air,” she said. “They would land on roofs, and if it was asphalt, they’d catch fire. Otherwise, they’d ignite the surrounding foliage.”
Fortunately, the ground around Dora and Dudley’s home was covered with stones, and they had cleared shrubbery as a precaution against termite infestations. This unplanned measure inadvertently ensured the house’s survival.
Looking ahead, Dora and Dudley intend to open their home to friends and neighbors who lost their homes in the fires. “We lost neighbors in this tragedy, and many others lost everything,” Dora remarked. “It’s crucial that we support each other and work together to rebuild.”
It’s a stroke of luck that Dora and Dudley’s home escaped the fires unscathed. Their compassionate response underscores their commitment to community and rebuilding efforts amidst adversity.
