According to reports, the homeowners had kept sprinklers running around the property, helping the surrounding grass and vegetation stay green during extremely dry conditions.
When the wildfire eventually swept through the area, that moisture — combined with reduced dry fuel near the home — may have helped slow the fire around the property.
Wildfires are unpredictable, and no single action guarantees protection. Wind, terrain, embers, and building materials all play major roles in determining what survives.
But in some cases, creating defensible space and keeping vegetation moist can make a critical difference.
Sometimes survival comes down to preparation, timing… and a little luck.