California Entrepreneur Asks For ‘Private Firefighters’ to Protect Home

A Californian entrepreneur affected by the raging fires in Los Angeles County has asked for private firefighters to protect homes in the area.

Keith Wasserman, the co-owner of real estate investment company Gelt Venture Partners, posted on X (formerly Twitter) late on January 7: “Does anyone have access to private firefighters to protect our home in Pacific Palisades? Need to act fast here. All neighbors houses burning. Will pay any amount. Thank you.”

The Palisades Fire is currently sweeping across 1,921 acres of the Pacific Palisades area of LA County, where the median home price is $4.5 million. Residents have been told by the LA County Fire Department to evacuate as the fire poses an immediate threat to life.

Wasserman has been contacted via email for comment.

Why It Matters

In the past, Wasserman has advocated on X for lower property taxes. However, property taxes are a critical component of the LA Fire Department’s budget. Critics online are pointing out that he will now pay ‘any amount’ for a private fire service, despite not wanting to pay towards public services prior to this fire.

What To Know

A little after 1 a.m. on January 8, California Governor Gavin Newsom announced: “Hundreds of additional firefighters are headed south to join 1,400+ boots already on the ground.” He also announced that Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funds have been secured to help those affected by the fires burning across the county.

On November 5, Californians voted on two propositions that affected firefighting in the region. The first, Measure E, which was only on the ballot in LA County, and passed, created a $0.06 parcel tax per square foot of housing.

The revenue raised from this parcel tax will go to much needed firefighting equipment including hiring more firefighters and paramedics, replacing old equipment such as their 30 year-old communications system, and repairing fire engines.

The second, Prop 6, a proposition which was voted on across California, and did not pass, would have ended the “involuntary servitude” of incarcerated people.

Currently, as much as 30 percent of firefighting crews in California are made up of incarcerated people who earn between $5.80 and $10.24 a day to fight fires, with the potential to earn an additional $1 per hour during emergencies, according to the Los Angeles Times.

The Pacific Palisades are not the only region in LA County affected by fires. Two other major blazes, the Hurst and the Eaton Fires are burning across the inland areas of the Cascades, Sunshine Canyon, and Pasadena.

Private firefighting services are available in LA County for those able to pay for them. One service, Fire Protection Los Angeles, told Newsweek that it frequently receives calls during states of emergency. It said the team is trained to “respond rapidly to protect properties and lives, particularly when public resources are overwhelmemed.”

Fire Protection Los Angeles told Newsweek although it operates as a private service, it does its best to collaborate with community organizations and nonprofits to help those in need. Emergencies can impact their costs due to demand and resource allocation.

What People Are Saying

Governor Gavin Newsom: “All hands are on deck to fight the #PalisadesFire in Southern California. California is deeply grateful for the brave firefighters & first responders battling the blaze. We will continue to mobilize resources and support local communities as they respond to this severe weather.”

President Joe Biden: “I urge the residents of the Pacific Palisades and the surrounding areas of Los Angeles to stay vigilant and listen to local officials.”

Fire Protection Los Angeles (a private service): “We maintain a cooperative relationship with public
firefighting services, working in tandem to protect lives and property. Our role is to supplement their efforts by focusing on specific properties and preventive measures, ensuring a more comprehensive response.”

What Happens Next

The fires are still uncontained in the region and are expected to continue to spread due to dry conditions and high Santa Ana winds.

Residents are being urged to evacuate and seek shelter.