As wildfires rage through California, wealthy residents turn to private firefighters, sparking controversy and debate about unequal access to disaster protection.
At a Glance
- LA CEO Keith Wasserman offered to pay “any amount” for private firefighters to protect his mansion
- The Palisades wildfire forced over 30,000 California residents to evacuate and burned more than 15,000 acres
- Private firefighting services have been available to wealthy Californians since 2019
- Critics argue that private firefighters undermine public services and create inequality in disaster response
- Demand for private firefighting continues to grow despite public backlash and regulatory challenges
Wealthy Residents Seek Private Protection Amid Raging Wildfires
As the Palisades wildfire tore through California, forcing over 30,000 residents to evacuate and scorching more than 15,000 acres, a controversial trend emerged among the wealthy. Keith Wasserman, a millionaire Los Angeles CEO, made headlines when he publicly offered to pay “any amount” for private firefighters to protect his Pacific Palisades mansion from the encroaching flames.
“Does anyone have access to private firefighters to protect our home in Pacific Palisades? Need to act fast here. All neighbors houses burning. Will pay any amount. Thank you,” Keith Wasserman said.
Wasserman’s online plea quickly went viral, garnering over 900,000 views and sparking outrage among many who perceived it as a display of entitlement and resource hoarding while neighboring homes burned. Critics accused the CEO of being tone-deaf and questioned the ethics of diverting resources for personal gain during a widespread disaster.
The Rise of Private Firefighting Services
The incident highlighted a growing trend in California’s fire-prone regions: the use of private firefighting services by those who can afford them. Since 2019, wealthy Californians have increasingly turned to these services as wildfires become more frequent and intense. The cost of hiring private firefighting crews can range from $3,000 to $10,000 a day, making it an option only available to the rich.
One notable example of private firefighting success was seen at the Palisades Village mall, owned by billionaire Rick Caruso. While one side of Monument Street in Pacific Palisades was reduced to ash and rubble, Caruso’s mall remained largely intact. This stark contrast was attributed to the efforts of private firefighters from Arizona and private water trucks called in when local hydrants ran dry.
Controversy and Criticism
The use of private firefighters has not been without controversy. Critics argue that it potentially undermines public services and creates a two-tiered system of disaster response. The practice has faced notable backlash, particularly when employed by celebrities like Kim Kardashian.
“Incredible nerve. His family is evacuated and he’s trying to hire private firefighters to risk their lives to save a home he most certainly has insured. Incredibly tone deaf,” Sam Vance said.
Additionally, concerns have been raised about the qualifications of private firefighters for urban firefighting, which is the current challenge in Los Angeles. Critics argue that these teams are not adequately equipped for the complexities of urban fire scenarios.
Regulatory Response and Ongoing Demand
In response to the growing private firefighting industry, California has implemented new regulations. State law now requires private firefighters to coordinate with public agencies and restricts their use of emergency insignia and equipment. These measures aim to address concerns about confusion and inefficiencies that can arise when private and public firefighting efforts overlap.
Despite the controversy and new regulations, demand for private firefighting services remains high. The escalating frequency and intensity of wildfires continue to drive interest in these services among those who can afford them. This ongoing trend has intensified debates about communal safety, preparedness, and the ethical implications of privatized disaster response in the face of climate-driven natural disasters.
