As multiple wildfires rage across California and threaten homes in Los Angeles’ most exclusive neighborhoods, wealthy residents are turning to private fire services, a luxury that comes at a shocking price. It’s a product. With public fire stations overwhelmed, some of the city’s wealthiest residents are reportedly paying as much as $2,000 (approximately 170,000 rupees) an hour for custom-made fire protection equipment.
These civilian crews were reportedly hired to protect luxury properties from the oncoming flames. Chris Dunn, owner of a private security company, said demand for such services has soared in the wake of the crisis.
A San Francisco Chronicle journalist recently reported seeing private fire teams dousing the roofs of homes throughout the night to prevent a flare-up. “Civilian firefighters are protecting this Hollywood Hills home from the #SunsetFire. We have installed sprinklers to cascade water from the second story eaves. They will be on guard all night.” the journalist shared on X (formerly Twitter).
Civilian firefighters protect this Hollywood Hills home from the #SunsetFire. A sprinkler system was installed to flush water from the eaves on the second floor. They will be on guard all night. pic.twitter.com/Wj9fIocM1y
— Matthias Gafni (@mgafni) January 9, 2025
The Los Angeles Times reports that these companies offer services such as spraying fire retardants on landscapes and wrapping trees in fire-resistant materials. One such company, Torgerson’s Wildfire Defense Systems, sent a crew equipped with hoses, flame retardant gel and its own water tanks.
The company partners with insurance companies to protect the property of policyholders who choose these premium services. The company’s founder told the L.A. Times that it’s a win-win for both parties if private firefighters can protect homes, because homeowners keep their property and insurance companies avoid paying large sums of money to rebuild. he said.
Homeowners who employ private firefighters directly have drawn criticism for deepening class divisions during emergencies. Recently, billionaire real estate investor Keith Wasserman received a lot of attention after he asked for help through an X post (now deleted) to hire private firefighters to protect his property from fires. faced a backlash.
Billionaire real estate developer and former water commissioner Rick Caruso also faced fire after it was revealed he had brought in a private fire brigade to protect his home. The New York Times reported that Mr. Caruso used these services to protect his assets.
According to a report from TMZ, Kim Kardashian and Kanye West publicly acknowledged in 2018 that civilian firefighters played a major role in saving their Santa Monica Mountains mansion from a wildfire.
At least 24 people have been confirmed dead in a massive wildfire near Los Angeles. The fire has damaged or destroyed more than 12,000 buildings and forced the evacuation of more than 100,000 people. Damage and economic losses are estimated at $135 billion to $150 billion.
