Public firefighting services are typically the first line of defense against fires, relying on publicly funded fire departments and infrastructure. However, during large-scale incidents or in areas with limited public resources, private firefighting services can provide critical supplemental support.
According to the National Wildfire Suppression Association, an American organization with over 300 members providing fire safety services, over 40% of firefighters in the United States are employed in the private sector. Information on private-sector firefighting in Europe is more limited, but several companies like Danish multinational Falck are active in the sector – primarily serving as government contractors. In the United States, it is more common for private firefighting companies to serve insurance companies and occasionally wealthy individuals in addition to governments.
For UHNWIs, private firefighting services can offer several key advantages:
- Rapid response. Private companies can often deploy resources more quickly than public agencies, especially during widespread emergencies when public resources are stretched thin.
- Targeted protection. Private firefighters can focus specifically on protecting a client’s property, implementing tailored defense strategies.
Specialized equipment and expertise. Private companies may possess specialized equipment or expertise in areas such as wildfire suppression or high-value asset protection.
