Wealthy Angelenos Hire Private Firefighters Amid Wildfires

Amid raging wildfires in Southern California, a significant backlash has emerged against wealthy Los Angeles residents hiring private firefighters to protect their homes, with costs reaching up to $2,000 per hour. Prominent figures like real estate investor Keith Wasserman and former mayoral candidate Rick Caruso have faced criticism for prioritizing their multimillion-dollar properties over public safety, as many residents lack similar resources. Critics argue that this trend exacerbates existing inequalities, leaving lower-income communities vulnerable while the affluent can afford to shield themselves from the devastation. Private firefighting companies report a surge in demand, with services being marketed as necessary due to the inadequacies of public fire response systems. Supporters claim that these private teams augment government efforts, yet the disparity in access has fueled outrage among the public. As the fires have devastated thousands of structures, the ethical implications of private firefighting during such crises continue to be hotly debated.