• Source:JND
Add as a preferred

LA Wildfires: As wildfires continue to ravage California, threatening homes in Los Angeles most exclusive neighbourhoods, the state's wealthiest residents are turning to private firefighting services to safeguard their properties. These services come with an eye-watering price tag, reportedly costing up to $2,000 (approximately ₹1.7 lakh) per hour.

With public fire departments stretched to their limits, private firefighting crews have stepped in to protect luxury homes from the advancing flames. Chris Dunn, who owns a private security firm, revealed that demand for these services has surged during the crisis.

A San Francisco Chronicle journalist recently observed a private firefighting team working overnight to protect a house from potential flare-ups. The team used sprinklers to spray water from the second-story eaves, ensuring the roof stayed wet. Sharing the scene on X (formerly Twitter), the journalist wrote, "Private firefighters are protecting this Hollywood Hills home from the #SunsetFire, staying on guard all night."

According to The Los Angeles Times, some companies specialise in spraying landscapes with fire retardants or wrapping vulnerable trees in fireproof material. One such business, Torgerson's Wildfire Defense Systems, equips its teams with hoses, fire-retardant gels, and even their own water tanks.

Many of these services are offered in partnership with insurance companies, which see value in protecting high-value properties to avoid costly payouts. Torgerson’s founder explained that it’s a win-win situation: homeowners retain their homes, and insurers save on reconstruction expenses.

Also Read: Mahakumbh Mela 2025: 5 Famous Winter Foods To Try In Prayagraj During Your Kumbh Mela Visit

Criticism Of Privatised Fire Protection

The growing reliance on private firefighting services has sparked criticism for deepening inequalities during emergencies. Critics argue that wealthier residents enjoy a disproportionate level of safety compared to those relying solely on public resources.

Recently, millionaire property investor Keith Wasserman faced backlash after posting on X (formerly Twitter) seeking private firefighters to protect his home. Similarly, billionaire property developer Rick Caruso was criticised for hiring private crews to defend his estate, as reported by The New York Times.

This isn’t a new phenomenon. Back in 2018, Kim Kardashian and Kanye West credited private firefighters with saving their mansion in the Santa Monica Mountains during a devastating wildfire, as reported by TMZ.

Also Read: Bengaluru News: Hebbal Flyover Likely To Be Ready For Residents In Next 100 Days; Know Details

Update On LA Wildfires

The ongoing wildfires in California have claimed at least 24 lives, damaged or destroyed more than 12,000 structures, and forced over 1 lakh residents to evacuate their homes. The financial toll is estimated to be between $135 billion and $150 billion, making this one of the most destructive wildfire seasons in recent history.

As communities grapple with the devastation, the disparity between those who can afford private firefighting services and those who cannot has reignited debates over equity and emergency preparedness.