A task force investigates the cause of the LA wildfires, including potential arson. Amidst the devastation, the use of private firefighters to protect wealthy properties has sparked controversy, highlighting the disparity between the city's residents. While most private firefighters work for government agencies or insurance companies, some offer services to individuals, which has drawn criticism. Experts warn that private firefighters can pose a danger during emergencies due to lack of coordination and communication with official fire crews.
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 person walks with a bicycle amid the destruction left behind by the Palisades Fire in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, Thursday, Jan. 9, 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.
WILDFIRES PRIVATE FIREFIGHTERS DISPARITY ARSON INVESTIGATION CALIFORNIA
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