As wildfires ravage California particularly threatening Los Angeles’ exclusive neighborhoods some of the city’s wealthiest residents are turning to private firefighting services to protect their luxury homes. These bespoke fire protection services come at a staggering cost, with reports indicating fees of up to $2,000 (around ₹1.7 lakh) per hour.
With public fire departments stretched thin, private crews are stepping in to safeguard high-value properties. Chris Dunn, owner of a private security company, confirmed that demand for these services has surged amidst the ongoing wildfire crisis.
A journalist from the San Francisco Chronicle recently reported seeing a private team working through the night to douse a house’s roof with water in the Hollywood Hills, preventing flare-ups. “Private firefighters guard this Hollywood Hills house from #SunsetFire. They’ve set up sprinklers to cascade water from the second-story eaves. They will guard all night,” the journalist shared on X (formerly Twitter).
Private firefighting companies offer specialized services, including spraying landscapes with fire retardants, wrapping trees in fireproof materials, and setting up water sprinklers. Companies like Torgerson’s Wildfire Defense Systems equip their crews with hoses, fire-retardant gels, and water tanks to protect homes.
In some cases, these services are linked to insurance policies. Homeowners who opt for premium coverage can benefit from such partnerships, which help insurers avoid costly payouts by safeguarding properties before the flames reach them.
The founder of Torgerson’s Wildfire Defense Systems emphasized that protecting homes benefits both homeowners and insurance providers, with properties saved and reconstruction costs avoided.
The use of private firefighters has sparked criticism, with many arguing it highlights deepening class divisions during emergencies. Millionaire property investor Keith Wasserman faced backlash after a now-deleted post on X revealed his attempt to hire private crews to protect his property. Similarly, billionaire developer Rick Caruso drew ire for employing private firefighters to guard his estate.
High-profile figures like Kim Kardashian and Kanye West also acknowledged the role of private firefighters in saving their Santa Monica Mountains mansion during the devastating 2018 wildfires.
Critics argue that while wealthy individuals can afford this protection, others are left at the mercy of overburdened public firefighting services, exacerbating inequality during life-threatening disasters.
The wildfires have claimed at least 24 lives, damaged or destroyed over 12,000 structures, and forced the evacuation of more than 100,000 people. The economic toll is estimated at $135 billion to $150 billion, marking one of California’s most devastating fire seasons.
While private firefighting services may save individual homes, the broader challenges of wildfire management, climate change, and equitable disaster response remain urgent issues for California and beyond.
