Fire consumes communities as architect fights to save Leland Burns house

In recent weeks, wildfires in Los Angeles, California devastated vast areas, resulting in the loss of approximately 16,000 structures. The flames consumed homes and neighborhoods steeped in over a century of history, turning vibrant communities into ashes. Among the intact structures is the Leland Burns house, designed by Charles Moore in 1973, which became a focal point of concern for Kevin Keim, the director of the Charles Moore Foundation. As news of the Palisades fire erupted, Keim rushed back from Austin, Texas, to safeguard the property he considered precious, risking his safety to protect it from being engulfed by flames. Over the past three weeks, firefighting teams joined forces from across the western United States to combat the major fires and numerous smaller outbreaks affecting the region. The rampant destruction leaves a stark reminder of the challenges faced by Los Angeles as fires ravaged approximately 59,000 acres—far surpassing the area of the Great Fire of London. While other major cities like San Francisco and Chicago showcase architectural marvels and well-planned neighborhoods, Los Angeles often presents a more chaotic and featureless cityscape, bearing witness to the ongoing struggles against destructive natural forces. Despite the apparent disarray, Los Angeles has a rich architectural heritage, particularly reflected in the work of European expatriates like architects Rudolph Schindler and Richard Neutra, who sought opportunities in the city. Their creative visions contributed significantly to the diverse blend of structures that once defined the city. Unfortunately, contemporary patterns of zoning have contributed greatly to the vulnerability of these homes; approximately 70 percent of Los Angeles is zoned solely for single-family houses, many of which are traditional wood structures highly susceptible to fire. The recent infernos, including the Palisades fire, have drawn attention to these vulnerabilities. Kevin Keim's brave actions to return to Los Angeles in the midst of a mandatory evacuation surrounding a raging wildfire exemplify the emotional attachment and responsibility architects feel toward their works. Though some acclaimed structures survived, the fate of many fine homes remains grim, as communities strive to recover from the overwhelming loss. The hope is that from this tragedy, lessons will emerge about resilience, building practices, and the critical need to protect both people and their environments.