California is introducing a new bill that takes aim at private firefighting crews, particularly those hired by billionaire developer Rick Caruso to safeguard his properties during wildfires that ravaged the region. This legislation seeks to restrict private firefighting companies from accessing public hydrants, addressing a longstanding concern for the California Professional Firefighters union.
Concerns Over Private Firefighting Crews
While there is no definitive evidence of widespread use of private crews impeding the city's response to destructive fires like the Palisades Fire, the 35,000-member union argues that these crews hinder the work of professional firefighters and should be prohibited. Brian Rice, the president of the CPF, emphasized the disparities in training, equipment, and professionalism between private crews and California firefighters.
Rick Caruso, known for his ownership of a shopping center in the Pacific Palisades, enlisted private firefighters during the recent wildfires but denies utilizing city water resources. He also criticized the city's handling of the fires, particularly targeting Mayor Karen Bass, his opponent in the 2022 mayoral race.
Legislative Response and Criticisms
Democratic Assemblymembers Isaac Bryan and Tina McKinnor, both allies of Mayor Bass, introduced the bill to address concerns about private firefighters tapping into public water supplies to defend affluent residents' properties amidst unprecedented wildfires. The lawmakers stressed the public nature of firefighting and the need for regulation to prevent misuse of municipal resources.
Existing regulations mandate private crews to follow specific protocols, such as coordinating with incident commanders and using non-emergency equipment. The proposed bill aims to enhance these rules, building upon legislation enacted in 2018 following a severe wildfire season.
Response from Rick Caruso
In response to the bill, a spokesperson for Rick Caruso highlighted the developer's efforts to expedite the recovery process through a newly established nonprofit. Speculation surrounds Caruso's potential political ambitions, with suggestions of a mayoral or gubernatorial run in the future. The spokesperson dismissed allegations of political motivations, emphasizing Caruso's focus on community rebuilding.
As discussions around the bill intensify, the spotlight remains on the role of private firefighting crews and the balance between public resources and private interests in fire protection efforts.
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