California entrepreneur Keith Wasserman is asking for ‘private firefighters’ to protect the home

A California entrepreneur affected by the raging fires in Los Angeles County has called on private firefighters to protect homes in the area.

Keith Wasserman, the co-owner of the real estate investment firm Gelt Venture Partners, wrote on X (formerly Twitter) late on January 7: “Does anyone have access to private firefighters to protect our home in Pacific Palisades? Do we need to act fast here .All neighbors’ houses will pay any amount.

The Palisades fire is currently sweeping 1,921 acres of the Pacific Palisades area in LA County, where the median home price is $4.5 million. Residents have been asked by the LA County Fire Department to evacuate as the fire poses an immediate threat to life.

Wasserman has been contacted by email for comment.

Does anyone have access to private firefighters to protect our home in Pacific Palisades? Must act fast here. All the neighbors’ houses are on fire. Will pay any amount. Thanks.

— Keith Wasserman (@Keith_Wasserman) 8 January 2025

Why it matters

In the past, Wasserman at X has advocated for lower property taxes. However, property taxes are a critical component of the LA Fire Department’s budget. Critics online point out that he will now pay ‘any amount’ for a private fire service, despite not wanting to pay for public services ahead of this fire.

What to know

A little after 1 on January 8, California Governor Gavin Newsom announced, “Hundreds of additional firefighters are heading south to join the 1,400+ boots already on the ground.” He also announced that Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funds have been secured to help those affected by the fires burning across the county.

On November 5, Californians voted on two proposals that affected firefighting in the region. The first, Measure E, which was only on the LA County ballot and passed, created a $0.06 per parcel tax. square meter housing.

The revenue from this parcel tax will go toward much-needed firefighting equipment, including hiring more firefighters and paramedics, replacing old equipment such as their 30-year-old communications system, and repairing fire trucks.

The second, Prop 6, a California-wide vote that failed to pass, would have ended the “involuntary servitude” of incarcerated people.

Currently, as much as 30 percent of the firefighting workforce in California is made up of incarcerated people, who earn between $5.80 and $10.24 a day to fight fires, with the potential to earn an additional $1 an hour during emergencies, according to Los Angeles Times.

Pacific Palisades is not the only region of LA County affected by fires. Two other large fires, the Hurst and Eaton fires, are burning across the Cascades interior, Sunshine Canyon and Pasadena.

Private firefighting services are available in LA County for those who can pay for them. A service, Fire Protection Los Angeles, said Newsweek that it often receives calls in emergency situations. It said the team is trained to “respond quickly to protect property and life, especially when public resources are overwhelmed.”

Fire Protection Los Angeles told Newsweek although it operates as a private service, it does its best to partner with community organizations and nonprofits to help those in need. Emergencies can affect their costs due to demand and resource allocation.

What people say

Governor Gavin Newsom: “All hands are on deck to fight #PalisadesFire in Southern California. California is deeply grateful for the brave firefighters and first responders battling the blaze. We will continue to mobilize resources and support communities as they respond to this severe weather.”

President Joe Biden: “I urge the residents of Pacific Palisades and surrounding areas of Los Angeles to be vigilant and listen to local officials.”

I am often briefed on the wildfires in West Los Angeles. My team and I are in contact with state and local officials, and I have offered any federal assistance necessary to help suppress the terrible Pacific Palisades fire. Earlier tonight, FEMA approved a fire…

— President Biden (@POTUS) 8 January 2025

Fire Protection Los Angeles (a private service): “We maintain a cooperative relationship with the public
fire services working together to protect life and property. Our role is to complement their efforts by focusing on specific characteristics and preventive measures, ensuring a more comprehensive effort.”

What happens next

The fires are still not contained in the region and are expected to continue to spread due to dry conditions and high Santa Ana winds.

Residents are encouraged to evacuate and seek shelter.