As wildfires wreak havoc across Los Angeles, wealthy residents are hiring private firefighting companies, spending up to $2,000 per hour to protect their properties. These firms, equipped with trucks, hoses, water tanks, and fire-resistant materials, have become a lifeline for affluent areas like Pacific Palisades and Malibu. While these services offer state-of-the-art protection, they’ve sparked outrage from critics who view them as a symbol of inequality.
Millionaire real estate investor Keith Wasserman faced backlash after posting online about his efforts to hire private crews to save his Pacific Palisades home. Critics accused him of prioritizing personal wealth over the safety of others. Similar scrutiny was directed at Rick Caruso, a real estate mogul, who also reportedly employed private fire teams.
Some private services go beyond just fighting fires, coating homes and vegetation with fire retardant and standing guard overnight to prevent flare-ups. These measures starkly contrast with the experiences of tens of thousands of less wealthy residents forced to evacuate, leaving their homes to the overwhelmed public fire department.
The practice has ignited debates about resource allocation during emergencies, highlighting the disparities in how disasters affect different socioeconomic groups. While private firefighting offers security for the privileged, it underscores the pressing need for equitable disaster response solutions.
