When fate crashes down

Matt Beville was forced into the role of remodeler after a truck backed over the fire hydrant in front of his 1924 Burbank home. A geyser shot over the structure’s parapet perimeter walls, which stood a few feet above the roof. Water collected in a pool that became heavier until, all at once, it crashed through and forced its way out through doors and windows, taking out some walls. The freakish event displaced Beville for 18 months and led to a $209,000 whole-house remodel. To read the story and see the photo gallery, go to latimes.com/realestate.