Debate Intensifies Over Hiring of Private Firefighters During Los Angeles Wildfires

Synopsis

As wildfires rage in Los Angeles, a heated debate has arisen over the use of private firefighters by wealthy individuals. While some seek immediate protection for their homes, critics argue this practice exacerbates class disparities and raises questions about resource allocation during emergencies.

Key Takeaways

Private firefighters are increasingly sought after by affluent residents.
45% of firefighters in the U.S. are now privately employed.
Costs for private firefighting can range from $3,000 to $10,000 per day.
Over 100,000 people have evacuated during the recent wildfires.
Concerns include access to public hydrants and resource allocation.

Los Angeles, Jan 14 (NationPress) As numerous wildfires continue to blaze through Los Angeles, a significant controversy has surfaced regarding the employment of private firefighters by wealthy residents.

"Does anyone have access to private firefighters to safeguard our property? I need to act quickly here. All my neighbors' homes are ablaze. I will pay any amount," stated Keith Wasserman, a co-founder of a real estate investment firm, on X.

According to Deborah Miley, Executive Director of the National Wildfire Suppression Association, which represents over 300 private firefighting organizations, approximately 45 percent of all firefighters in the United States are now privately employed.

"A two-person private firefighting team with a small vehicle can cost $3,000 a day, while a larger unit comprising 20 firefighters in four fire trucks can reach $10,000 a day," said Bryan Wheelock, Vice President of Grayback Forestry, a private firefighting firm in Oregon, as reported by The New York Times.

However, as these companies accumulate profits, the individuals hiring them are facing backlash from the general public — over 100,000 people have been forced to evacuate, leaving their homes under the care of an overwhelmed public fire department, according to Xinhua news agency.

The topic of private firefighting units has been contentious in recent years, becoming a representation of privilege for the affluent and attracting criticism for exacerbating class disparities during emergencies, as noted by the Los Angeles Times.

Concerns about access to water — specifically, whether private firefighters should be permitted to utilize public hydrants during wildfires — have also been a recurring issue among critics of private firefighting, as reported by The New York Times.

"When we see groups like this enter the scene, we don't view them as an asset — we see them as a liability," remarked Brian Rice, president of California Professional Firefighters, which represents 35,000 firefighters.