Controversy has erupted in Los Angeles after private firefighting teams were called to protect affluent neighborhoods from devastating wildfires, while nearby areas were left to burn, sparking questions about social inequality and the role of private firefighting services.
Local authorities reported on Tuesday that the wildfires in Los Angeles had caused at least 25 deaths, destroyed more than 12,000 buildings, and burned over 155 square kilometers of land.
In the midst of the devastation, a stark contrast became evident in the upscale Pacific Palisades neighborhood, where some buildings remained largely untouched by the flames, standing just streets away from charred remains in other areas.
The protected properties, part of the Palisades Village Shopping Center, were safeguarded by a private firefighting team hired by the shopping center's owners.
U.S. media outlets reported that the private firefighting crew, rushed in from neighboring Arizona, was deployed after the fire began spreading on the night of Jan 7 and into the early morning hours of Jan 8.
This revelation contradicted earlier denials by the Los Angeles Fire Department about the presence of private firefighters. The use of such private teams has since been linked to other wealthy areas, extending beyond just the shopping center.
Privately leased water trucks, each carrying about 12 tons of water, were seen stationed on the streets of the shopping center, standing by to combat the flames.
In the U.S., private firefighting services are typically hired through fire departments or insurance companies, not directly by individuals or businesses, with fees reaching up to 2,000 U.S. dollars per hour.
The revelation has sparked outrage, particularly among residents who lost their homes in less affluent areas. Many are questioning why private firefighting teams were able to prevent the spread of the fire, while city crews struggled to contain the flames.
The Los Angeles Fire Department reported that 20 percent of fire hydrants in the affected areas were either dry or had low water pressure, raising concerns about the coordination between private and public firefighting efforts, as well as their potential impact on public safety.
There are growing concerns about whether the private firefighting efforts obstructed evacuation routes or delayed the response of official fire crews. t remains unclear whether these private teams may have contributed to the slow response in areas that were not directly protected.
Controversy erupts as private firefighters called into rich neighborhoods to fight LA wildfires
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
