In a striking development, private firefighting crews have been deployed to combat the raging wildfires encircling Los Angeles. As of Friday, only five or six trucks staffed by private firefighters had been spotted working amidst the blazes. These crews, hired by insurance companies to protect high-value properties, have sparked debates over their efficacy and the implications of their involvement in public firefighting efforts.
The deployment of private firefighters raises questions about their training, experience, and equipment. Mike Lopez, Secretary-Treasurer of the California Professional Firefighters, voiced concerns regarding the qualifications of these for-profit fire service employees.
"Just because you squirt water out of a hose, that doesn’t make you a firefighter" – Mike Lopez
Despite these concerns, Wildfire Defense Systems, a private company with 17 years of experience, has been actively involved in firefighting efforts across Los Angeles. The company collaborates with over three dozen insurance carriers to mitigate wildfire damage to homes and businesses, aiming to "break the cycle of ignition."
The involvement of private firefighting crews is not without controversy. They are not subject to the same standards and regulations as public firefighters, leading to safety and regulatory concerns from professional firefighter unions. The California Professional Firefighters union has particularly highlighted these issues, emphasizing the different ethos between public firefighters and private companies focused on protecting their bottom line.
Dave Torgerson, a representative of Wildfire Defense Systems, underscores the company's proactive approach in safeguarding homes during wildfire season.
"We can do a lot more work when the fires take more time" – Dave Torgerson
"We work to keep insurance available in the marketplace" – Dave Torgerson
The National Wildfire Suppression Association represents 369 private wildland fire services companies across the US, Canada, and Australia. Most of these companies maintain a good safety record, yet their presence in public firefighting operations remains a topic of debate.
Insurance companies often hire private firefighting crews to protect high-net-worth properties from fire damage. However, these firefighters constitute only a small fraction of the workforce involved in wildfire management, estimated at "a fraction of one-tenth of 1%."
The involvement of private firefighters in public firefighting efforts is further complicated by financial incentives. Private firefighters often receive higher pay compared to their public counterparts, potentially leading to a brain drain of experienced public firefighters.
Amid these developments, insurance losses from the wildfires surrounding Los Angeles are already estimated at $20 billion. The necessity for effective firefighting strategies is paramount as communities grapple with the devastating impact of these fires.
Wildfire Defense Systems has demonstrated its ability to integrate with public firefighting operations, utilizing correct communication channels and adhering to appropriate chains of command. Despite this integration, concerns persist regarding the potential impact on public firefighting resources and standards.
Adam Leber, a critic of the use of private firefighting crews, succinctly expressed his disapproval.
"Private and firefighter should not be in the same sentence" – Adam Leber
As wildfires continue to threaten communities and landscapes across Los Angeles, the role of private firefighting crews remains under scrutiny. The debate over their involvement raises important questions about safety standards, regulatory oversight, and the allocation of resources in the fight against increasingly severe wildfires.