Malibu-area firefighters who saved nearly a dozen homes during the Palisades fire say that while communities can come together to protect property during natural disasters, wildfire suppression is something that California officials cannot do. He said more needs to be done.
Local surfer Matt Diamond said he had a brigade in his neighborhood after the 2018 Woolsey Fire, which burned about 100,000 acres, killed three people, and forced the evacuation of about 300,000 people. was formed. He described the reason for this as “the need to be myself.'' -Keep firefighters. ”
“All of Malibu had to come together because there was no fire support at that time,” Diamond told FOX News Digital. “We stayed there, but the city manager wouldn't allow us to bring in any resources, so we had to vote on a clause. We had axes, shovels, firefighting equipment, food and water. were taken by boat to Paradise Cove and set up a makeshift camp. We were fully operational and began patrolling the neighborhood, checking for spot fires and rescuing neighboring homes.”
Currently, the Los Angeles Fire Department considers the brigade a critical resource in saving homes and managing fires because firefighters dispatched from other locations don't know the area, he said. .
California wildfires rage across Los Angeles County, forcing thousands to evacuate their homes
Malibu surfer Matt Diamond saved 10 homes as part of his neighborhood's fire department during the California wildfires.
When the fire broke out on Tuesday, Diamond followed a fire truck to the Sunset and Pacific Coast Highway and noticed the fire congealing in the Palisades. He returned to Malibu and encountered the flames in Tuna Canyon, he said.
“It was dark, [the wildfire] “He was advancing about 400 meters every 30 minutes. I was in the brigade, and the brigade was taking everything in his way,” he said.
On January 8, 2025, the Palisades Fire engulfs a beach house on the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, California. (Agustín Pourier/AFP via Getty Images)
He went home and packed up his belongings, including some surfboards.
“I've been doing some big wave surfing at a professional level and have a big contest coming up, so I needed these boards,” Diamond said. “I've been working hard. These boards are some of the best-shaped boards in the world. I take them all to the beach with my drum set and music equipment, and then when I get home, My board caught fire.'' The whole house was a wonderful sight. Talk about an immersive experience. ”
Diamond began working with Santa Barbara firefighters to protect her home and neighborhood. He said he helped “persuade” them to defend his position.
The next morning everything was still on fire. He said many of his friends who live in the Palisades lost their homes that night.
“All my friends who are big musicians in the biggest bands in the world lost all their Grammys,” he said. “Some of the greatest producers in the world, who worked on some of the biggest projects from music to television to film, and left behind some of the greatest memorabilia you've ever seen. Gone. I was just looking at all the beautiful framed Beatles stuff, all the craziest '60s Woodstock era memorabilia. ”
The brigade saved about 10 homes, but the most important thing was the domino effect, where saving one home could save four surrounding homes, Diamond said.
On Wednesday, January 8, 2025, the Palisades Fire destroys an oceanfront property in Malibu, California. (AP Photo/Etienne Laurent)
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The city of Malibu confirmed in a statement Thursday that one resident was killed in the Palisades fire.
“This is a sobering reminder that this fire is severely impacting our community,” officials wrote. “Malibu is more than just a city. We are neighbors, friends, and family. Even if we don't know someone's name, that loss is felt by all of us. At a time like this, I We must come together and support each other and demonstrate the resilience that defines our community…”
Diamond encouraged all communities to contact local first responders and establish communication with authorities.
Matt Diamond took photos of wildfire damage in Malibu, California. (Matt Diamond)
He said communities creating their own communication lines using walkie-talkies and satellite radio phones can also be extremely beneficial during a crisis.
“If you're properly dressed, trained and equipped, you'll be ready to save your community,” Diamond said. “There are only going to be more natural disasters. It's going to continue to happen. It's the evolution of the climate and it's going to stay here and only grow. Educate yourself and arm yourself to help your community. It could be better. It's very empowering and it's necessary.”
Growing up, he recalled seeing a lot of wildfires. He recalled forest management and fire management to create firebreaks.
Burnt buildings are left in ruins as strong winds force people to evacuate as devastating wildfires burn in the Los Angeles area, January 8, 2025, in Malibu, California. (Daniel Cole/Reuters)
Diamond acknowledged that prescribed burns can sometimes get out of control, but said they are necessary for overall protection.
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”[The government is] “In some ways, it's a reluctance to use guns to do what's appropriate and necessary,” he said. “Two houses were on fire, [the government] Two people file suit against 1,000 households [gone] Because you didn't do these controlled burns. governor [Gavin Newsom] Everyone is pretty much at their own devices and this needs to be attacked. Break through the bureaucracy and just do what needs to be done. ”
