A Los Angeles millionaire CEO has sparked outrage over a ‘tone-deaf’ post in which he asked for ‘private firefighters’ to protect his Pacific Palisades mansion while emergency services worked to help residents. Because the area was surrounded by flames. Keith Wasserman, co-founder of real estate investment firm Gelt Venture Partners, went to Ax asking for help as a massive wildfire ravaged the hill.
“Does anyone have access to private firefighters to protect our home in Pacific Palisades? Needs to act fast here. All neighbors houses are burning. Any amount will pay. Thanks,” he wrote on Twitter.
The post, which was viewed more than one million times before being removed, faced immediate and strong backlash.
The disconnection causes the jaw to stun.
Just wow. pic.twitter.com/krubaIuACO
– Spitfire (@DogRightGirl) 8 January 2025
Commenting on the post, one user wrote, “Incredibly nervous. His family has been evacuated and he is trying to hire private firefighters to risk his life to save his home, which he is certain Incredibly deaf.”
Another user commented, “If you find yourself tweeting for private firefighters to protect your property, you should probably question what you have become as a human being.”
A third user wrote, “So you’re suggesting that potentially life-saving resources (even if ‘private’) should be used to save your home because you’re rich while thousands of people are trying to evacuate? “
The crescent-shaped blaze of flame engulfed Los Angeles in a giant pinprick visible from space. More than 100,000 people were ordered to evacuate as dry, hurricane-force winds hampered firefighting operations and spread the fire. At least five people have died since the fire broke out on Tuesday.
The flames also included homes of movie stars and celebrities, destroying some of the world’s most lavish real estate and instantly recognizable showbiz venues around the world, Reuters reports.
“This firestorm is huge,” Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said at a news conference after returning to the city from an official trip to Ghana.
