Millionaires in LA are paying astronomical amounts for private firefighters to protect their homes from wildfires

The owner of a company which provides private firefighters to the mega rich has claimed that some LA residents are shelling out huge fees to protect their homes from the devastating fires.

It has been close to a week since since the fires started to rampage through Los Angeles, where hundreds of thousands of people have been evacuated, thousands of buildings have burnt to the ground and tens of thousands of acres of land have been destroyed.

The Pacific Palisades, Eaton, Kenneth, Hurst, Lidia, and the Archer neighborhoods have been largely affected, while the official death toll has risen to 24 overnight.

As the fires continue to wreak havoc, some LA millionaires are reportedly forking out small fortunes to hire private fire crews to help protect their properties from devastation.

While private firefighters often join forces with the state during an emergency like what is happening in California right now, some have begun offering 'on call' services in the past few years.

However, the Daily Mail reports they can charge a whopping $2,000 an hour for their services - meaning the benefit is really only available to the most wealthy living in LA.

The private firefighters are available with their own water supplies, trucks, hoses, and other industry-standard equipment.

Keith Wasserman, who is a millionaire real estate investor based in LA, took to Twitter in a bid to hire a private firefighter.

“Does anyone have access to private firefighters to protect our home in Pacific Palisades? Need to act fast here. All neighbors’ houses burning. Will pay any amount. Thank you," he penned on social media.

While the service is extremely expensive, Chris Dunn, owner of Covered 6 which provides the service, has told the Daily Mail his mobile has been 'ringing off the hook' with rich LA homeowners wanting to book his services.

As all that takes place, more than 100,000 people have been forced to flee their homes amid the ongoing wildfires.

Jeff Macomber, secretary of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, said last week: "Wildfires are a constant and formidable challenge for California, and CDCR conservation fire camps remain dedicated to supporting the state’s response.

"The work of our incarcerated firefighters and staff is an essential part of this effort, and their commitment to protecting lives and property during these emergencies cannot be overstated."

As winds in the LA are predicted to pick up to begin the week, LA city fire chief, Kristin Crowley, said in a press briefing on Sunday (January 12) that active fires are still posing a major threat.

"There's no power, there's no water, there's broken gas lines, and we have unstable structures. The first responders are working as quickly as possible to ensure that it is safe for you to return into your communities," he said.

All the celebrities who have lost their homes in LA wildfires

Paris Hilton

Paris Hilton said on social media that she watched her Malibu home 'burn to the ground' on television.

She wrote: "I’m standing here in what used to be our home, and the heartbreak is truly indescribable. When I first saw the news, I was in complete shock—I couldn’t process it. But now, standing here and seeing it with my own eyes, it feels like my heart has shattered into a million pieces."

Mandy Moore

Meanwhile, singer and actor Mandy Moore spoke of her heartbreak as the fires 'levelled' her neighbourhood of Altadena.

The This Is Us star shared an update on her 'home' on Instagram, explaining: "This is Altadena. Leveled. My sweet home.

"I am devastated and gutted for those of us who've lost so much. I'm absolutely numb."

Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt

The Hills' Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt also lost their home, with Pratt sharing a heartbreaking update on Instagram.

Posting a photo of thick smoke suffocating his sons' nursery, he wrote: "The one positive sign i saw as our house burned down was ours son's bed burned in the shape of a heart.

"A sign of how much love was in this house so thankful for all the years and memories there with our family."

Anna Faris

Scary Movie star Anna Faris tragically lost the home she shared with her family in the Pacific Palisades.

Representatives for the actor told People: "Anna and her family are safe and very grateful."

Ricki Lake

Hairspray star and talk show host Ricki Lake took to social media to confirm the 'immeasurable' loss of her 'dream home'.

“It’s all gone. I can’t believe I am typing these words,” she began. “It was our heaven on earth. The place where we planned to grow old together.

“We never took our heavenly spot on the bluff overlooking our beloved Malibu for granted, not even for one second.

"I shared our sunset views almost daily with all of you.”

Lake confirmed she will soon share ‘how [she] escaped’, adding: “For now I grieve.”

Diane Warren

Celebrated songwriter and Academy Honorary Award winner Diane Warren confirmed the house she'd lived in for nearly 30 years was destroyed in the blaze.

She wrote: “There's a rainbow shining on it, which I'm taking as a sign of hope for all creatures who have been affected by this tragedy.

"The animals and the rescue ranch are OK tho which is the most important thing. Stay safe everyone.”

Billy Crystal

When Harry Met Sally star Crystal and his wife, Janice, confirmed they lost the home they'd lived in since 1979 in the devastating blaze.

In a statement, Crystal said all that remained of his property was its tennis court.

He said: "We raised our children and grandchildren here. Every inch of our house was filled with love. Beautiful memories that can’t be taken away.

"We are heartbroken of course but with the love of our children and friends we will get through this."

Eugene Levy

Schitt's Creek star Eugene Levy is among those whose homes were lost in the raging wildfires, as per the Daily Mail.

The actor had told the Los Angeles Times that he had been caught in a gridlock while attempting to evacuate the danger zone.

"The smoke looked pretty black and intense of Temescal Canyon," he stated. "I couldn't see any flames, but the smoke was very dark."

Cameron Mathison

General Hospital star Cameron Mathison shared a shocking video of his house reduced to rubble and ash as he gave fans an update.

Taking to Instagram, he wrote: "We are safe But this is what’s left of our beautiful home. Our home where our kids were raised and where they wanted to raise their own someday."

The Canadian actor had lived in the home with their now-estranged wife, Vanessa Arevalo, and their two children, having purchased it in 2012.

Sandra Lee

Cookbook author and TV show host Sandra Lee revealed that the fires destroyed her Malibu home, which had been a sanctuary during her 'darkest moments '.

Posting an emotional Instagram Reel, she spoke of her heartbreak but also expressed gratitude for the safety of her loved ones.

"I cried all night and thought about every room, nook, and cranny," she explained, adding: "Everyone is safe, that is all that matters," she resolved.

Lee purchased the home in November 2019, a milestone moment after splitting from former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo.

The chef had aspired to purchase such a property since her early days as a waitress in 1989.

Cary Elwes

Having previously shared a video of the 'biblical' Los Angeles blaze as he was evacuated, The Princess Bride star later confirmed his home was no longer.

Taking to Instagram, he said: "Sadly, we did lose our home, but we are grateful to have survived this truly devastating fire.

"Our hearts go out to all the families impacted by this tragic event and we also with to extend our gratitude to all the firefighters, first responders and law enforcement who worked so tirelessly through the night and are still at it."

Milo Ventimiglia

The This Is Us star revealed that he'd watched his house burn down on his security cameras.

He told CBS: "It’s heavy. You start thinking about all the memories in different parts of the house and whatnot, and then you see your neighbours' houses and everything kind of around, and your heart just breaks."

Mel Gibson

The Mad Max actor said he found out his home had been destroyed in the fires while filming an episode of Joe Rogen's podcast.

He told NewsNation’s Elizabeth Vargas Reports: "It’s kind of devastating. It’s emotional. I was doing the Rogan podcast… And [I was] kind of ill at ease while we were talking because I knew my neighbourhood was on fire, so I thought, I wonder if my place is still there."

Tina Knowles

Beyoncé's mother took to Instagram to share that her Malibu bungalow had been lost to the fires.

She wrote: "This is what I was looking at on my birthday this past weekend from my tiny little bungalow on the water in Malibu! It was my favourite place, my sanctuary, my sacred Happy Place. Now it is gone!!"

Adam Brody and Leighton Meester

Adam Brody’s Los Angeles home has been ‘reduced to rubble and ash,' according to reports from TMZ.

Images shared by the publication showed ‘black smoke’ rising from the wreckage.

Brody and his wife, Gossip Girl star Leighton Meester, reportedly purchased their home in 2019 and lived there with their two children.

Miles Teller

According to the Daily Mail, Whiplash star Miles Teller and his wife Keleigh Sperry Teller join the list of stars who've lost their homes in the brutal natural disaster.

The couple, who married in 2019, purchased the 6,600-square-foot mansion in April 2023.

His wife later took to Instagram to share some photos of their house, writing: "Snapped this driving out.

"To everyone reaching out I can’t thank you enough, your kind hearts have meant the world, I’ll never forget them."