MALIBU, Calif. — Firefighters have already had to respond to several small fires that have broken out this year, and before things get much worse, one government employee wants to visit every home in the city of Malibu.

What You Need To Know

  • Chris Brossard is the new fire safety liaison for the city of Malibu

  • He fought wildfires with the National Forest Service for several years

  • In his new position, Brossard helps prepare Malibu residents for fire season

  • He performs home inspections to ensure structures are as protected from fire as possible

Chris Brossard is the new fire safety liaison for the city of Malibu. It's his job to root out fire hazards and prepare residents for wildfire season. One of the ways he does this is through home inspections.

Brossard was a strike team leader during the Woolsey fire. For years he was a wildland firefighter with the National Forest Service. He started his new job just a few weeks ago. Although much less physically demanding, the goal is the same.

"So I just look at this as a newer, different way of tackling wildfires, trying to get people more prepared. I mean, I'm not going to be out there dragging hose lines like I was before," Brossard said.

Winds can send embers miles ahead of the fire front. Experts estimate more homes are destroyed because of embers than direct flame contact during a wildfire. That means all homes in Malibu are vulnerable, so Brossard aims to inspect every home.

"Well, I think we're slowly chipping away at it," Brossard said. "You know it's something that takes time. Change takes time."

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To schedule an appointment, visit malibucity.org/FireSafety and click on the "Online Scheduling System" or contact Chris Brossard at 310-456-2489, ext. 387 or FireSafety@malibucity.org.