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Private firefighters hired by billionaire developer Rick Caruso successfully defended his Palisades Village mall during the recent Palisades Fire, while nearby homes suffered destruction. Walking through the mall today, visitors would hardly know a fire had occurred, with only minimal damage visible in the form of broken heat lamps at an outdoor dining area. The upscale retail spaces appear nearly ready to resume operations.
The protection of Caruso’s property reflects a broader trend in the area. According to a fire official who spoke with Breitbart News, approximately fifteen private firefighting companies operate in Pacific Palisades, with many retained by insurance providers to safeguard their clients’ properties.
The Palisades Village Mall, developed by Rick Caruso, is one of the only commercial structures still standing in the center of Pacific Palisades
Caruso hired a private firefighting service and deployed water tankers
How utterly embarrassing for the Democrats running Los Angeles pic.twitter.com/6p01LnN4gi
— Alana Mastrangelo (@ARmastrangelo) January 12, 2025
Firefighters from Firestorm Wildland Fire Suppression, Inc. were observed at the scene but declined to provide comments. Additionally, a water tanker was seen patrolling the Upper Riviera neighborhood, while a security contractor revealed that their services extend beyond anti-looting measures to include fire suppression.
These private firefighting operations typically utilize flatbed-mounted water tanks, though Caruso’s team employed larger water tanker trucks. The mall’s resilience was further enhanced by its construction using modern fire-resistant materials.
The presence of private firefighters has sparked debate among local residents. While some praise Caruso’s approach as an example of effective property protection that the city should emulate, others question the fairness of concentrated water resources.
FIRE: Two days before Mayor Bass flew to Ghana, LA was warned of the imminent risk of massive wildfires. Rick Caruso jumped into overdrive and ensured the Palisades Village Mall had private firefighters and water trucks. The Palisades is gone, but his mall survived. It makes you… pic.twitter.com/1XG1osceg0
— @amuse (@amuse) January 13, 2025
Most businesses across from Palisades Village on Swarthmore Avenue survived, reportedly benefiting from the private firefighters’ proximity. However, Paliskates, a beloved skateboard shop, was completely destroyed, and Serena & Lily sustained visible fire damage.
Local fire department personnel have indicated that with proper resources, particularly adequate staffing and water supply from city and local agencies, they could have provided similar levels of protection as Caruso’s private team.
Following the fire, Caruso made a $5 million contribution to the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation.
