Keith Wasserman’s $3 million home in Pacific Palisades was destroyed in the devastating wildfire, according to official records.
CEO Keith Wasserman sparked outrage for offering to pay for private firefighters.
Previously, Keith Wasserman, co-founder of Gelt Venture Partners, became a target of backlash after offering to pay for private firefighters.
On social media, he posted on X, asking for immediate help to protect his home while other residents evacuated.
“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,” Wasserman wrote in his now-deleted post.
LA CEO Keith Wasserman sparked debate on social media
The response was swift and critical. Many deemed his request “tone-deaf” and “entitled,” calling out the billionaire for focusing on his property while others were struggling to evacuate.
While, one user, Sam Vance, wrote, “His family is evacuated, and he’s trying to hire private firefighters to risk their lives to save a home he most certainly has insured.”
Additionally, others suggested that he should donate to the many poor people who lost their homes in the wildfire instead of being selfish with his assets.
One person said: In the middle of crisis like this, one doesn’t always think straight..
A second wrote: He’s worked to accumulate his wealth. He’s in a binding and needs help. He’s offering to compensate for the aide He’s requesting. I see nothing wrong.
While a third commented: He can buy all the firefighters he wants unfortunately for him there’s no water so….
Someone else said: money can’t buy everything
The Palisades fire devastates wealthier neighborhoods
Wasserman’s home was part of the destruction in the Pacific Palisades area, where the fire devastated multiple properties.
Public records show his home, a two-story building, was valued at $3 million in 2023, below the median Pacific Palisades home value.
Additionally, LA County’s official recovery website revealed a photo showing Keith Wasserman’s mansion, once a handsome home, now reduced to a pile of burnt rubble.
The fire has scorched over 23,000 acres, causing the deaths of at least eight people and forcing over 30,000 people to evacuate.
Outrage over the request for private firefighters
Wasserman’s plea for private firefighters ignited a larger debate about privilege during natural disasters. Critics pointed out the unfairness of using private resources to save a rich person’s home while others were left vulnerable.
Another commenter, Renny, expressed their anger, writing, “So you’re suggesting that potentially lifesaving resources should be diverted to save your house because you’re rich?”
Despite the backlash, Wasserman doubled down, calling critics “trolls” and clarifying that he had already evacuated.
Private firefighting services have become common for wealthy Californians
In response to increasing wildfires, private firefighting services began offering protection to wealthy Californians in 2019. These services became more popular as fires in the region grew more intense and widespread.
By Wednesday afternoon, the fire had already ravaged more than 15,000 acres.
Additionally, The Palisades fire has left many Los Angeles residents reeling from the destruction. The controversy surrounding Wasserman’s offer highlights the growing divide between the wealthy and those affected by the fire.