>>Worst case the city (or whomever the firefighters worked for) should have sent a bill for the $75 fee AFTER putting out the fire - put a lien on the house if needed.
>>
>>I agree...collect it afterwards. It's just ridiculous to refuse to fight a fire based on $75.
>
>How about car insurance... do you think your premiums should be collected only after you're responsible for a claim?

Irrelevant.

Can your car insurance company prevent damage during an accident? The fire department can.