Private Firefighters: Protecting Homes Amidst Wildfires
When wildfires ravaged Los Angeles County this week, a unique group of firefighters sprang into action – David Torgerson’s team from Wildfire Defense Systems. While traditional city, county, and state firefighters battled the blazes wherever they were needed, Torgerson’s crew focused on specific addresses armed with hoses, fire-blocking gel, and their own water supply. This Montana-based outfit has been contracting with insurance companies since 2008 to protect the homes of customers who purchase policies that include their services.
A Lesser-Known Component of Firefighting
Torgerson’s operation, employing hundreds of firefighters, engineers, and staff, sheds light on a lesser-known aspect of wildfire fighting in the U.S. In addition to the over 7,500 publicly funded firefighters and emergency personnel deployed to combat the current wildfires, a smaller force of for-hire professionals stands ready to assist insurance companies, wealthy individual property owners, and government agencies in need of extra support.
Controversy Surrounding Private Firefighters
However, the presence of private firefighters is not without controversy. Homeowners hiring private firefighters directly have faced criticism for widening class divides during disasters. Just this week, a Pacific Palisades homeowner caused a stir by seeking private firefighters on social media to save his home while his neighbors’ houses were ablaze.
An Unseen Majority
Contrary to popular belief, private firefighters serving wealthy clients make up only a small fraction of nonpublic firefighters. Torgerson emphasized that contract firefighters hired by the government constitute the vast majority of firefighting forces. The federal government has been utilizing private firefighters since the 1980s to bolster its own firefighting efforts.
Diverse Services Offered
Private firefighting companies like Allied Disaster Defense offer a range of services to both property owners and insurance companies, contributing to reduced claims and enhancing property insurability. While some companies, like Wildfire Defense Systems, focus solely on working with the insurance industry, others, such as Mt. Adams Wildfire and UrbnTek, cater to industrial clients and high net-worth individuals.
With the wildfire season escalating and blazes spreading rapidly, the role of private firefighters in safeguarding homes and businesses has become increasingly crucial. As Torgerson’s team continues to battle the flames to protect properties, the debate surrounding the use of private firefighting services rages on. Amidst the heat and chaos, these unsung heroes stand ready to defend what matters most – our homes.
