Private firefighters: who are they, how much do they cost?

One of the main differences between public and Private fire prevention organizationsboth of which provide emergency response services in their communities, is how they are funded.

They can be contracted by local communities to provide firefighting services as well as by some insurance companies that provide firefighting services to customers who purchase high-value home insurance policies, according to Frontline Wildfire.

However, they can also be hired by individuals who want to ensure that they have access to firefighting services in the event of a fire on their property, although their purpose goes beyond mere elite service.

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These companies are leveraged at times “when public resources are spread too thin,” according to Frontline Wildfire.

In fact, the U.S. Forest Service often contracts with private fire prevention organizations to suppress wildfires “which public fire departments may not do alone.” Enough manpower or resources To deal with these natural disasters,” according to Frontline Wildfire.

The National Wildfire Suppression Association (NWSA) currently represents more than 250 private sector contracting companies across 28 states that can organize a workforce of approximately 10,000 during peak fire season.

According to the association, special contract resources, including 20-person national and regional firefighting crews, engines, bulldozers, tenders and other specialized equipment and support services, give agencies the flexibility they need to cost-effectively increase or decrease support.

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At the same time, the contractor covers the costs of training, insurance, benefits, gear and transportation.

A two-person private fire crew and a small vehicle can cost about $3,000 a day, Brian Wheelock, vice president of Oregon-based private firefighting company Grayback Forestry, told the New York Times. However, a larger crew of approximately two dozen firefighters and four trucks, can reach $10,000 per day.

Cotton Holdings founder and co-CEO Pete Bell said their services “vary greatly depending on the scope and size of the project” and that fees can range from a few hundred dollars for small projects to several million for large-scale restoration or reconstruction efforts.

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“Regardless of size, our commitment is to provide the highest quality service to meet the needs of those we support. No request is too small when it comes to supporting our partners,” Bell said.

Cotton Holdings is an infrastructure support services company with several subsidiaries that handle disaster, relief and recovery efforts.

However, Leo Grillo, who runs the Delta Rescue Animal Sanctuary and owns his own fire trucks, said there are liability issues when it comes to private firefighters that need to be taken into account.

“Special forces face greater risks. They can only go where they have been contracted, and other private property is prohibited,” he said.