As wildfires rage across Los Angeles counties, a social media post seeking private firefighters caused outrage and shed light on the lesser-known private firefighting crews working diligently to battle the flames. Real estate investor Keith Wasserman, in a now-deleted post on platform X, sought help to protect his home in Pacific Palisades amidst neighboring houses burning, willing to pay any price.
With city and county fire departments stretched thin by the wind-driven fires scorching over 60 square miles of land and causing casualties and displacements, some residents are turning to private firefighting crews to safeguard their properties. All Risk Shield, a California company specializing in wildfire protection services, received over 120 calls to homes in Los Angeles counties threatened by the wildfires.
These private crews, which include firefighters also serving in county fire departments or retired from active duty, offer various protective service levels priced between $2,500 and $14,000. Deployed to high-risk properties before fires arrive, they utilize residents’ resources like pools and water tanks, in addition to their own fire retardants, to combat flames independently of municipal resources.
While operating independently from the Los Angeles County Fire Department, these private crews collaborate with municipal firefighters during emergencies. The National Wildfire Suppression Association (NWSA) stated that private firefighting services often assist local, state, and federal firefighting efforts, with contracts from private homeowners forming only a fraction of their business.
Apart from responding to active fires, fire prevention and mitigation contractors engage in tasks like vegetation clearing and applying fire retardants for insurance companies to reduce fire risks during the off-season. This collaborative approach underscores the “all hands on deck” effort to combat wildfires and protect communities.
Private firefighting companies nationwide have mobilized their personnel and resources to help combat the ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles. These companies, collectively capable of deploying up to 11,000 highly trained wildland firefighters, are playing a crucial role in containing the blazes. In a statement to CBS MoneyWatch, the National Wildfire Suppression Association (NWSA) emphasized the need for a collaborative effort involving state, federal, and private sector resources to address the extensive damage caused by the fires and to prevent future incidents.
“The size and scale of these fires and the devastation left in their wake require an all-hands-on-deck approach to suppression, restoration, and future prevention,” stated the NWSA.
In other news, a recent incident at Phoenix airport narrowly averted a potential disaster as two passenger jets had a close call during their approach. Meanwhile, Senator Warren has raised significant questions ahead of the confirmation hearing for Mr. Hegseth. Additionally, Princess Catherine has shared the positive news that her battle with cancer is in remission.
