Billionaire Sparks Outrage with Private Fire Crew Amid LA Wildfires
Billionaire developer Rick Caruso is facing intense backlash for hiring private fire crews to protect his Palisades Village mall in Los Angeles amid devastating wildfires. The decision has sparked outrage among residents and on social media, with many questioning the fairness of wealthy individuals accessing private firefighting resources while public services struggle to contain the flames.
Caruso hired a team of private firefighters to protect his property and some nearby properties. This move comes as city officials have reported a surge in water demand, with usage reaching four times the normal rate during the night. Caruso himself acknowledged the lack of water in the hydrants, attributing it to the city’s mismanagement.
The controversy surrounding Caruso’s actions highlights the growing divide between the wealthy and the rest of the population in the face of natural disasters. Critics argue that such practices exacerbate inequality and undermine the principle of equal access to essential services during emergencies.
This is not the first instance of wealthy individuals in Los Angeles utilizing private firefighting resources. In 2018, celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Kanye West faced criticism for similar actions during the Woolsey wildfire. While some argue that such measures can help protect communities, others contend that they divert crucial resources from public firefighting efforts and exacerbate the sense of privilege among the wealthy.
The wildfires currently ravaging Los Angeles have caused widespread devastation, with thousands of homes destroyed and lives lost. The fires have also led to widespread evacuations and disruptions to daily life for countless residents. As the city grapples with the aftermath of these fires, the debate over the role of private firefighting resources and the responsibilities of the wealthy in times of crisis is likely to continue.
Rows of glitzy waterfront houses now lay in charred ruins after the punishing blaze ripped through them—save for one miracle structure that stood alone, flanked by smoldering debris on all sides.
Dozens of blocks were flattened in the upscale Pacific Palisades neighborhood moments away, home to a slew of A-list celebrities. For many, only the outlines of homes and their chimneys remained.
Paris Hilton, Anthony Hopkins, Tina Knowles, John Goodman, Candy Spelling, Milo Ventimiglia, and Miles Teller are among those whose homes were demolished.
The so-called Palisades Fire between Santa Monica and Malibu on LA’s western flank and the Eaton Fire in the east near Pasadena already ranks as the most destructive in Los Angeles history, consuming more than 34,000 acres (13,750 hectares) – or some 53 square miles.
