Romer Debbas managing partner Pierre Debbas says the economic fallout from the California wildfires will continue to be an ‘unfortunate story.’
One of the main differences between public and private fire prevention organizations, both of which provide emergency response services to their local communities, is how they are funded.
They can be allowed by communities to provide firefighting services and certain insurance companies that provide firefighting services to customers who purchase premium home insurance, according to Frontline Wildfire.
However, they can also be hired by people who want to ensure that they have access to firefighting services in the event of a fire in their area, although their purpose is more than just serving the elite.
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These companies find strength in times “when public resources are stretched thin,” according to Frontline Wildfire.
In fact, the US Forest Service often contracts with private fire prevention organizations to put out wildfires “as public fire departments alone may not have adequate personnel or resources to deal with these natural disasters,” according to Frontline Wildfire.
A plume of smoke is seen as a brush fire burns in Pacific Palisades, California on Jan. 7, 2025. (DAVID SWANSON/AFP via Getty Images/Getty Images)
The National Wildfire Suppression Association (NWSA) currently represents more than 250 private contracting companies in all 28 states that can schedule up to 10,000 workers during the height of fire season.
According to the organization, independent contract services that include 20 statewide fire crews, engines, dozers, tenders and other specialized equipment and support services provide agencies with the flexibility they need to scale up or scale down support effectively.
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Meanwhile, the contractor pays for training, insurance costs, benefits, gear and transportation.
Bryan Wheelock, vice president of Oregon-based private firefighting company Grayback Forestry, told The New York Times that a private fire crew with two people and a small vehicle can cost about $3,000 a day. However, a larger crew consisting of nearly a dozen firefighters and four trucks, can cost as much as $10,000 a day.
Apartments were seen on fire in the Eaton Fire on Jan. 8, 2025. (Jon Putman/Anadolu via Getty Images/Getty Images)
Cotton Holdings founder and CEO Pete Bell said their services “vary greatly depending on the size and scale of the project” and that funds can range from a few hundred dollars for small projects to several million for rehabilitation or rebuilding efforts.
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“Regardless of our size, our commitment is to provide quality services to meet the needs of those we support. No question is too small when it comes to supporting our partners,” said Bell.
Cotton Holdings is an infrastructure support services company with various subsidiaries that deal with disaster, relief and recovery efforts.
However, Leo Grillo, who runs Delta Rescue and owns a fire truck, said there are credit issues when it comes to private firefighters that need to be considered.
A view of damaged buildings and homes caused by the Palisades wildfires in the Pacific Palisades area of Los Angeles on Jan. 11, 2025, Los Angeles, California. (Axelle Photos/Bauer-Griffin/GC/Getty Images)
“Private soldiers are in great danger. They can only go where they have a contract to go, and other private property is closed,” he said.
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