This wasn't the couple's first wildfire
Susan and Winston aren't new to California fires. In 1978, they saved their home in similar fashion when a blaze threatened the Pacific Palisades, according to the local broadcaster.
Mark was asked to explain how his elderly parents were able to save their home.
"Tenacity," he told ABC7. "Both of my parents are really smart people and are adept at dealing with things."
Despite everything the couple has been through at the home, Susan says she can't imagine leaving.
"This is heaven for me, this location," she said. "Here I stay, whether it's as a human being or ashes I don't know, but so far it's as a human being."
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Learn MoreProactive steps to protect your home
In California and other regions, wildfires are becoming an increasingly common threat. Fortunately, there are several protective measures you can take to limit your risk.
Fit your home with fire-resistant materials
[Upgrading your home with fire-resistant materials(https://moneywise.com/news/top-stories/los-angeles-wildfires-pacific-palisades-fire-resistant-home) can be an effective way to protect it from wildfires. For example, FEMA recommends installing or replacing your roof with non-combustible materials.
"The roof is the most at-risk in a wildfire because of its size and orientation," the agency explains.
FEMA also suggests installing fire-resistant exterior wall coverings, along with multi-pane windows, tempered safety glass or fireproof shutters to protect large windows from radiant heat. You should also consider removing flammable vegetation and combustible materials within 30 feet of your home.
Take proactive maintenance steps
Another step you can take is maintaining the area immediately outside of your home. FEMA recommends clearing out flammable vegetation and combustible materials within 30 feet to create a defensible space. This includes regularly cleaning and removing debris from rooftops and gutters, as debris can catch fire from wind-blown embers.
On the topic of embers, the agency suggests covering exterior attic vents and under-eave vents with metal wire mesh to keep embers out.
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