A Malibu man is calling for controlled burns to be reinstated, saying the situation is "getting worse."

While communities can unite to safeguard property during natural calamities, it is imperative that California authorities take more stringent measures to control wildfires.

Matt Diamond, a local surfer, established a firefighting group in his community after the 2018 Woolsey Fire, which burned over 97,000 acres, killed three people, and forced nearly 300,000 people to evacuate, in order to become "independent firefighters."

"Diamond told Planet Chronicle Digital that there was no fire support for the situation in Malibu, and it was the residents who had to band together. They stayed put and the city manager wouldn't allow resources in, so they had to vote on provisions. They used axes, shovels, firefighting equipment, food, and water to be boated into Paradise Cove, where they set up a makeshift camp. They became fully operational and started patrolling the neighborhood, doing spot-fire checks and saving neighbors' homes."

The Los Angeles Fire Department considers the brigade essential for saving homes and managing fires because firefighters from other locations are unfamiliar with the area.

On Tuesday, Diamond observed the fire gathering in the Palisades as he followed fire trucks along Sunset and Pacific Coast Highway. He then returned to Malibu and encountered the flames at Tuna Canyon, he stated.

""The wildfire was moving about a quarter mile every 30 minutes, and it was just taking everything in its path," he said."

He packed up his belongings, which included a number of surfboards, before traveling home.

"Diamond, who has been big wave surfing on a professional level, has a big contest coming up and needed these boards. He has been working hard and these are some of the best shaped boards in the world. He took them all to the beach, along with his drum sets and music equipment, and then went home. Unfortunately, a fire came right through his house, all around it. It was an immersive experience."

Diamond assisted Santa Barbara firefighters in safeguarding his home and community, and he claimed to have persuaded them to preserve his residence.

The next morning, he said that many of his friends from the Palisades had lost their homes the previous evening.

"My friends, who are some of the biggest musicians in the world and have worked on some of the most successful projects, lost all their Grammys," he said. "The biggest producers in the world, who have created some of the most iconic music, TV shows, and films, have lost all their memorabilia. I was just watching it. It's heartbreaking to see beautiful things like framed items from The Beatles and Woodstock-era memorabilia disappear."

Diamond emphasized that the most crucial aspect of the brigade's efforts is the domino effect - saving one home could prevent the loss of four more.

On Thursday, the City of Malibu announced that a resident had tragically lost their life in the Palisades Fire.

"Officials wrote that the fire's devastating effects on our community are a painful reminder of the profound impact it has had. Malibu is more than just a city; it is a community of neighbors, friends, and family. Even if we don't know someone's name, their loss is felt by all of us. In times like this, we must come together, support one another, and show the resilience that defines our community."

Encourage contact with local first responders and officials, advised Diamond for every community.

Having a community communication line with walkie-talkies and satellite phones can be highly beneficial during crises, he stated.

"Diamond stated, "With the right attire and preparation, you'll be ready to assist your community in times of crisis. Unfortunately, natural disasters are only going to become more frequent. This is the new norm, and it's essential to educate yourself and be prepared to help. It's empowering and necessary.""

He recalled witnessing numerous brush fires while growing up. He also recollected how forestry and fire management practices involved creating fire lines.

Diamond stated that although prescribed burns can sometimes become uncontrollable, they are necessary for the preservation of the entire area.

"Government hesitant to act, as two homes burn and two people sue, versus 1,000 homes destroyed due to lack of controlled burns. Governor Gavin Newsom must address this issue and cut through bureaucracy to take action."