As wildfires rage across California, wealthy homeowners in Los Angeles are resorting to private fire crews to protect their multi-million-dollar properties. In a desperate attempt to shield their homes from destruction, these affluent residents are paying exorbitant fees—sometimes up to $2,000 per hour—for private fire protection services.
The Rise of Private Fire Crews
Private firefighting companies have traditionally been contracted by state and local governments to aid in wildfire mitigation efforts. However, in recent years, these firms have begun offering exclusive services to private citizens. Equipped with their own fire trucks, hoses, water supplies, and fire-suppressing chemicals, these crews promise to provide a personalized defense against fast-moving blazes.
Chris Dunn, owner of Covered 6, a private security and emergency response firm, revealed that demand for his services has skyrocketed. “My phone has been ringing off the hook,” Dunn told the Daily Mail, as Hollywood elites rush to secure protection for their homes.
San Francisco Chronicle reporter Matthias Gafni described how one Hollywood Hills residence was being guarded by private firefighters during the Sunset Fire. These professionals had installed sprinklers on the second-story eaves to continuously cascade water over the home, ensuring its protection through the night.
Additionally, the Los Angeles Times found that some firms employ fire retardant sprays on trees and brush, while others wrap homes in fire-resistant blankets to prevent flames from reaching them.
The Ethical Debate
While private fire protection services offer a sense of security for those who can afford them, they have also sparked controversy. Critics argue that such services deepen societal inequalities, allowing the rich to safeguard their assets while ordinary citizens must rely on overwhelmed public firefighting resources.
The backlash was evident when real estate investor Keith Wasserman posted a plea on X (formerly Twitter), seeking private firefighters to protect his home in Pacific Palisades. “Need to act fast here. All neighbors’ houses burning. Will pay any amount,” Wasserman wrote in a since-deleted post.
His message was met with sharp criticism, with one user calling him “tone deaf” for offering large sums to save his insured home while thousands of less affluent residents faced evacuation. Another commenter questioned whether private resources should be diverted for the wealthy while others had to flee for their lives.
Billionaire developer Rick Caruso also faced scrutiny after reportedly hiring private fire crews to defend both his home and a shopping center he owns. “Our property is standing,” Caruso told The New York Times. “Everything around us is gone. It is like a war zone.”
A Growing Trend?
As climate change intensifies wildfires, demand for private firefighting services is expected to rise. However, the ethical dilemma surrounding these services will likely remain a contentious issue, highlighting the stark contrast between those who can afford extra protection and those who must rely on public resources.
