>>>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.

I'm just playing devil's advocate, and pointing out the way some government functionary was thinking.

IMO this is an example of what should actually be a mandatory municipal tax. Wow, I can't believe I just advocated a tax increase, but there you go...