During raging wildfires in Los Angeles that overflowed public emergency services, multi-millionaires employed private firefighting firms to rescue their properties. Blasted for “capitalizing off class differences” during a catastrophe, the private firms charge US$2,000 per hour.
Private water tankers are a common sight in Indian cities, as people usually have to hire them, especially in summer, when their taps run dry. The elites of Los Angeles, which has been ravaged by unprecedented wildfires, are renting out private fire engines.
Wildfires, including the deadliest in the Palisades, roared into their sixth day on January 13. Twenty-four people were known dead, and 16 were missing as the wildfires tore through Los Angeles. More than 12,000 structures have been destroyed.
The Mail on Sunday writes that amidst the bloodletting and destruction the wildfires brought to Los Angeles, the elites hired private firefighters for USD 2,000 an hour to guard their properties.
According to reports, private fire-fighting companies landed with their fire engines, water supplies, fire-retarding chemicals, and other industrial-grade equipment. They are now in great demand
My phone has been ringing off the hook. Demand has never been higher,” Chris Dunn, owner of Covered 6, which provides first-responder services to Hollywood’s elite, told The Mail on Sunday.
“This week’s events have shown you can’t trust the city to protect your property. I have the money, so why not?” one of the elites of Los Angeles told the UK-based newspaper.
Firefighting helicopters have been making massive water drops as the wildfire spreads. However, the public firefighting system has been overwhelmed, so those who could afford it have sought private help.
According to a Los Angeles Times report, real estate mogul Rick Caruso saved his properties through private firefighters.
The paper reported that outside Caruso’s home were a firetruck, non-potable water trucks, and about a dozen private firefighters from five different companies.
According to The LA Times, many, like Caruso, relied on private firefighters to help them survive the deadly firestorms.
