Los Angeles residents are outraged as a billionaire hires private firefighters to protect his business during ongoing wildfire struggles.
In Los Angeles, a billionaire named Rick Caruso is under fire for hiring private firefighters to protect his luxury outdoor mall, Palisades Village.
This decision has angered many residents as wildfires rage across the city.
The fires are causing widespread destruction and forcing thousands to evacuate their homes.
The impact of LA wildfires
The wildfires began in the Pacific Palisades area and quickly spread, burning over 20,000 acres of land.
The fires have been described as some of the most destructive in the city’s history, claiming lives and destroying homes.
As emergency services struggle to contain the flames, Caruso’s choice to hire private crews has drawn sharp criticism.
Billionaire criticized for hiring private fire crew to protect his luxury mall amid spreading LA wildfires
Many locals have taken to social media to express their outrage.
Some believe that Caruso is prioritizing his business over the safety of the community.
‘So Rick directly or indirectly contributed to the fires by diverting resources to himself and away from the greater population. I think this needs to be investigated ASAP’, one user wrote on X.
Another commenter called it an example of “dystopian capitalism,” indicating the divide between the wealthy and the average citizen.
Cost of private firefighting
Private firefighting services can be expensive, costing between $3,000 and $10,000 a day.
Insurance companies or the government hire many of these crews.
Critics argue that officials should allocate these resources to public safety rather than protect the interests of a billionaire.
Videos have surfaced showing private firefighters using sprinklers to protect a Hollywood Hills home.
This raises questions about whether they are using public water resources.
The situation has prompted discussions about privilege in Los Angeles.
While many families are facing evacuation and loss, the wealthy can pay for private protection.
This disparity has led to a feeling of frustration among residents who see the rich benefiting from a system that is supposed to serve everyone.
Social media reactions
So the private firefighters are using public water? One user said.
He used his own money to protect a shopping mall. Yes, he will gain to benefit – however the community will also benefit because the mall has not burned down, one user wrote.
I’m ok with this as long as they also brought in their own water and were not taking away from other needed area, the third user said.
They should be thanking him. That frees up resources to save other homes. Nothing wrong with that! Another user commented.
That`s capitalism..that`s the society of money. The more you have, the more power you have above others..With good and bad.., someone said.
Previous criticism of wealthy individuals
This is not the first time that wealthy individuals in Los Angeles have faced criticism for hiring private firefighters.
In 2018, critics also targeted celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Kanye West for similar actions during the Woolsey fire.
Their efforts saved homes, but many people opposed such privileges during a crisis, leading to a mixed public reaction.
Local leaders urge vigilance
Local leaders are urging residents to stay vigilant and heed evacuation orders.
Dry conditions and strong winds have fueled the fires, making them unpredictable and dangerous.
Firefighters are working around the clock to contain the flames and protect homes, but the overwhelming scale of the disaster is challenging.
Community members are also organizing relief efforts to help those displaced by the fires.
They are setting up shelters to provide food and housing for evacuees.
Many people are donating items like clothes and toiletries to those who have lost everything.