Generally controlled burns are conducted by whatever group is managing the land to be burned - USFS for the Los Padres NF, or the NPS for Santa Monica NRA (which really took it on the chin in this latest fire).

Generally the constraints are the budget (imagine that!) and the right conditions, which are often rare to absent. Any fire controlled or not, generates smoke and inconvenience, so there will be complaints.

On an individual level, there is a lot one can do. Control the brush adjacent or close to your residence, put screening on vents and other openings (helps with rodent control as well). There are protective coatings which can be applied, advertised as being long lasting.

Above all, be organized and aware. Mrs. Hikermor and I evacuated last year from the Thomas fire. It didn't come out of the blue - vegetation was parched, winds were forecast, and the scrub on the hills near our house was tall and fire ready. We had a little chat about a week before the fire ignited, discussing location of papers, vehicle readiness, etc. When it was time, we were loaded and gone in about fifteen minutes - could have been quicker if necessary. Our insurance, including earthquake, is paid up.

Mostly, before the emergency, prioritize and determine what is really necessary and irreplaceable, like the Japanese Nambu pistol my Dad liberated in WWII..

Fires are a recurring problem. This was the third time in thirty years that I have loaded up ready to go, but the first time I actually left.

I haven't seen the picture you refer to, but it sounds like a typical aftermath...