Homeowners are buying and installing private fire hydrant systems to help protect their homes during wildfires.

While hydrants can play a role in fighting a wildfire in its early stages, the systems weren’t designed to combat the large blazes currently ravaging the Los Angeles area.

"I would ask that you turn off your water and turn off your gas, both things before you leave the residence so that we can continue to have that water supply for the hydrant system," he said.

David Whitman began selling private fire hydrant systems in 2022. He runs his company, Brushfire Battle Systems, out of his South Pasadena home. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times) ...