Private firefighters do more than just protect rich peoples’ homes. They fight alongside traditional firefighters and help the insurance industry. With Los Angeles in its sixth day ablaze, private firefighters have garnered renewed attention as luxury homes burned down.

Hiring a private fire crew costs thousands of dollars a day, and most work through government contracts or with insurance companies. Some wealthy property owners are calling them in directly.

Amid the devastation of the fires, private firefighters have sparked anger, a sign of inequality between the city's wealthiest residents and those struggling to rebuild.