A task force investigates the cause of the devastating wildfires in California, while the use of private firefighters to protect property has sparked controversy. Amidst the destruction, the wealthy can afford to hire private firefighting services, highlighting the stark disparity between those who can protect themselves and those struggling to rebuild.
A task force that includes local, state and federal investigators is trying to determine how the wildfires started, with investigations into potential arson.But standing tall among the wreckage -- almost entirely unscathed -- remains Palisades Village, the outdoor mall owned by Rick Caruso, billionaire real estate developer and former Republican mayoral candidate.
But some private firefighters offer their services to individuals, a practice that has shocked and infuriated many as its existence has entered the public eye. In, so-called "concierge" firefighters saved Kim Kardashian and Kanye West's Hidden Hills mansion -- along with several neighbors' homes -- during the Woolsey wildfire, according to reports at the time.
Wasserman's post inspired backlash, with users slamming the businessman as out of touch. He later deleted his account. Wasserman did not immediately respond to a request for comment. A firefighter battles the Palisades Fire around a burned structure in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, Jan. 8, 2025.Though most private firefighting companies focus solely on work for the government and insurance companies, some openly offer their services to individual customers. Allied Disaster Defense, which thereported had sent staff to fight the recent fires, has a page on its website advertising "private client services.
WILDFIRE DISASTER PRIVATE FIREFIGHTERS SOCIOECONOMIC DISPARITY CALIFORNIA
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