Private firefighters: who are they, how much do they charge?
Romer Debus Managing Partner Pierre Debus says the economic fallout from the California wildfires remains an ‘unfortunate story’.
One of the key differences between public and private fire organizations, both of which provide emergency response services in their local communities, is how they are funded.
They can be contracted by communities to provide fire protection services and can be done by some insurance companies that provide fire protection services to customers who purchase a premium home insurance policy, according to Frontline Wildfire.
However, they may be employed by individuals who wish to provide fire protection services in the event of a fire on their property, even if their purpose goes beyond serving the elite.
California Wilders: Important phone numbers for Los Angeles-area residents and how to help them
These companies are used in times when “public resources are stretched thin,” according to Frontline Wildfire.
In fact, the U.S. Forest Service frequently contracts private firefighting agencies to fight wildfires.
Smoke is seen as a brush fire burns in California’s Pacific Palisades on January 7, 2025. (David Swanson/AFP via Getty Images/Getty Images)
The National Wildland Fire Association (NWSA) currently represents more than 250 private sector contracting companies in 28 states, which can organize a workforce of around 10,000 during fire season.
According to the association, private contracting resources will give agencies the flexibility they need to cost-effectively increase or decrease support for 20 national and regional fire crews, engines, dozers, tenders and other specialized equipment and support services.
The fury of the California wildfires has forced thousands to flee their homes in Los Angeles County.
Meanwhile, the contractor covers the training, insurance costs, benefits, equipment and transportation.
Brian Wheelock, vice president of an Oregon-based private firefighting company, told the New York Times that a private firefighter with two people and a small truck can cost $3,000 a day. However, a large crew of about two dozen firefighters and four trucks can run up to $10,000 a day.
January 8, 2025 Burnt flats from the Eaton Fire. (John Putman/Anadolu via Getty Images/Getty Images)
According to Cotton Holdings founder and CEO Pete Bell, their services “vary greatly depending on the scope and size of the project,” and fees can range from a few hundred dollars for small projects to several million for major renovation or rebuilding efforts.
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“Regardless of size, our commitment is to provide high-quality service to meet the needs of the people we support. There is no question when it comes to supporting our partners,” Bell said.
Cotton Holdings is an infrastructure support services company with various subsidiaries that handle disaster, relief and recovery efforts.
However, Leo Grillo, who runs animal shelter Delta Rescue and owns his own fire trucks, said there are liability issues to consider when it comes to private firefighters.
In the year A view of damaged buildings and homes in the Palisades neighborhood during the Palisades wildfire on January 11, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images/Getty Images)
“Private forces are at greater risk. They can only go where they are contracted, and other private assets are out of control,” he said.
