Private Firefighters Watch Rick Caruso’s Home in Brentwood
Exclusive Protection
As the Pacific Palisades fire raged after burning through 12,250 structures, a lone fire truck stood parked beside water trucks outside developer Rick Caruso’s home in Brentwood. The fire brigade wasn’t from the Los Angeles Fire Department, but from five different private firefighting outfits hired by the former mayoral candidate over the weekend to protect his home.
The Private Firefighting Units
The private firefighting units on site included Wildland, All Terrain, and West Coast Water Tenders. Wildland is a company that provides wildland firefighting services, while All Terrain is a firm that serves clients in “high-threat environments in a variety of sectors.” West Coast Water Tenders provides “2,500-4,000-gallon tactical water trucks, grading equipment and mobile retardant bases.”
What Caruso Paid
What Caruso paid for the added fire protection was not known. However, it’s clear that he spared no expense in ensuring the safety of his home and surrounding areas.
Private Firefighting: A Controversial Topic
Private firefighting units have been a controversial topic, symbolizing access for the rich while drawing criticism for heightening class divides during disasters. In 2018, Kim Kardashian and Kanye West hired firefighters to protect their $60 million mansion from the Woolsey Fire in Calabasas.
A “Win-Win” Situation
Some of the firefighters are contracted by insurance companies, others by affluent homeowners. The firms say such services are a “win-win,” according to the newspaper. If a homeowner’s home is saved, the insurance company doesn’t have to make a payout.
Conclusion
While private firefighting units may be a luxury that only the wealthy can afford, they are a testament to the lengths that some people will go to protect their homes and families. As the city of Los Angeles continues to rebuild and recover from the devastating fires, it’s clear that the divide between those who have and those who don’t will only continue to grow.
FAQs
Q: What private firefighting units were on site at Rick Caruso’s home?
A: Wildland, All Terrain, and West Coast Water Tenders.
Q: What services do these private firefighting units provide?
A: Wildland provides wildland firefighting services, All Terrain serves clients in “high-threat environments in a variety of sectors,” and West Coast Water Tenders provides “2,500-4,000-gallon tactical water trucks, grading equipment and mobile retardant bases.”
Q: How much did Rick Caruso pay for the private firefighting services?
A: The cost was not disclosed.
Q: Are private firefighting units a new trend?
A: No, private firefighting units have been around for years, but they have gained popularity in recent years as wildfires have become more frequent and destructive.
