LA millionaires shell out for $2,000/hr private firefighters as overwhelmed city abandons neighborhoods to the flames

Desperate one-percenters are dropping small fortunes on private professional fire crews to protect their mansions as California’s most expensive wildfires continue to devour some of the wealthiest neighborhoods in Los Angeles.Private fire protection companies often contract with state and local governments to help battle wildfires, but in recent years California’s fire firms have begun offering “on call” services, ready to to show up with their own water supplies, trucks, hoses, fire-quenching chemicals, and other industrial-grade equipment.But these heroes-for-hire come with a hefty price tag, with some outfits charging $2,000 an hour for their services, the Daily Mail reported.Chris Dunn, owner of Covered 6, told that outlet his phone has been “ringing off the hook” as the Hollywood elite jockey for his bespoke services.A reporter for the San Francisco Chronicle observed one home outfitted with water sprayers continually drenching the roof as specialists stood by all night, watching for flare-ups.Other firms spray the landscape with fire retardant and cocoon trees and bushes in thick fireproof materials, according to the LA Times.But as these companies rack up cash, the ones who hire them are taking heat from ordinary folk — more than 100,000 of whom have been forced to flee, leaving their houses under the protection of the overwhelmed public fire department.Millionaire real estate investor Keith Wasserman ignited a blaze of outrage when he put out a call for someone to connect him with private firefighters to save his house in the Pacific Palisades.“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,” he posted to his X account, which he later deleted.“Incredible nerve,” commented one critic.

“His family is evacuated and he’s trying to hire private firefighters to risk their lives to save a home he most certainly...