Millionaire, Keith Wasserman, a Los Angeles millionaire and real estate investor, faced backlash for a social media post during the Pacific Palisades wildfires.
Wasserman, co-founder of Gelt Venture Partners, asked for help from private firefighters to save his mansion.
“Does anyone have access to private firefighters? Will pay any amount. All neighbors’ houses burning,” he wrote on X.
The post went viral, receiving over 900,000 views and nearly 500 replies. Many accused Wasserman of being “tone deaf.”
Public backlash highlights anger over ‘privileged’ behavior during crisis
Social media users criticized Wasserman for prioritizing property over community needs.
“Incredible nerve,” one user commented. “He’s asking for resources while others are struggling to evacuate.”
Another called it a “public display of rich privilege in a time of crisis.”
Wasserman responded by defending his intentions, stating he wanted to “protect homes” and had evacuated earlier.
Despite the criticism, some expressed sympathy.
“You’re alive—that’s what matters most right now,” one supporter wrote.
Devastation caused by pacific palisades wildfire. The wildfire has consumed over 2,900 acres in Pacific Palisades and surrounding areas.
California Governor Gavin Newsom confirmed the destruction of “many structures.” Nearly 30,000 residents are under evacuation orders.
The blaze has destroyed multimillion-dollar homes and forced residents to flee on foot.
Firefighters have struggled to contain the flames due to hurricane-force winds and poor visibility.
Private firefighting services and their controversial role in california
Private firefighting companies have been used in past California wildfires. In 2021, they were deployed to protect vineyards.
However, their actions raised concerns. Authorities accused private crews of lighting dangerous backfires and failing to coordinate with Cal Fire.
These incidents highlight the risks and ethical dilemmas of using private resources during public emergencies.
Residents and emergency responders navigate chaos and loss
The evacuation has been chaotic, with frightened residents abandoning cars to escape the fire.
Firefighters used bulldozers to clear vehicles blocking evacuation routes. Expensive cars were left crumpled and damaged.
Pasadena Park Healthcare & Wellness Center evacuated residents, including a 102-year-old woman, as the nearby Eaton Fire grew.
Despite the destruction, Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley reported no immediate deaths or injuries.