Keith Wasserman, a Los Angeles real estate executive, has faced significant backlash after offering to pay “any amount” for private firefighters to protect his Pacific Palisades mansion during the ongoing wildfires. His social media plea, made on January 7, 2025, was criticized as “tone-deaf” and insensitive, especially as neighbors’ homes were burning.
Wasserman’s request highlighted the growing trend of wealthy individuals hiring private firefighting services, which can cost around $3,000 per day. These private crews often operate independently, sometimes without coordination with local fire departments, raising concerns about their effectiveness and safety. For instance, during the 2023 wildfires, a private crew’s delayed response to Kim Kardashian’s home drew criticism.
The Los Angeles wildfires have been among the most devastating in California’s history, destroying over 5,000 structures and forcing more than 100,000 residents to evacuate. The fires have claimed at least six lives, with the death toll expected to rise as officials conduct further searches.
In response to the criticism, Wasserman deleted his social media account. He later clarified that his family had already evacuated and expressed concern for the safety of his home. citeturn0news13
This incident underscores the ethical and logistical challenges associated with private firefighting services, especially during large-scale emergencie. The debate continues over the fairness and effectiveness of such services in the context of public safety.
