Private Firefighters Aren’t Just for the Rich

Joe Torres’s work protecting his clients’ homes from fires begins long before the first spark.

First, a member of Torres’s team visits for a risk assessment, looking for areas on the property that could be vulnerable during a fire. They’ll then make recommendations about clearing vegetation and creating defensible space, maybe make some suggestions for “hardening” the home — ember-resistant vents, gutter guards.

About the Author

Ryan Mills

Ryan Mills was an enterprise and media reporter at National Review. He previously worked for 14 years as a breaking news reporter, investigative reporter, and editor at newspapers in Florida. Originally from Minnesota, Ryan lives in the Fort Myers area with his wife and two sons.

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Joe Torres’s work protecting his clients’ homes from fires begins long before the first spark.

First, a member of Torres’s team visits for a risk assessment, looking for areas on the property that could be vulnerable during a fire. They’ll then make recommendations about clearing vegetation and creating defensible space, maybe make some suggestions for “hardening” the home — ember-resistant vents, gutter guards.

About the Author

Ryan Mills

Ryan Mills was an enterprise and media reporter at National Review. He previously worked for 14 years as a breaking news reporter, investigative reporter, and editor at newspapers in Florida. Originally from Minnesota, Ryan lives in the Fort Myers area with his wife and two sons.