This is a great suggestion! Wish I had mod points today.

The only reason Hospitals don't let you "bleed out in the street" is because we have passed laws saying they can't choose to do that. Otherwise, they would. Because people will say or do anything to take care of a problem right now, including making promises they can't keep.

Hospitals would be out of business and bankrupt if they were weren't compensated by the rest of us for all the folks who show up in ER without insurance.

But that is different than how this system works. This particular system is set up such that there is no one else compensating for the lost revenue. You want to be frugal and not pay? Fine, on your head be it.

As for it being inhumane, you are right. Without pity or or compassion. The home owner made that choice. He has to live with it. It is NOT the firefighters fault.

And finally, what happens next? What is the result of changing this policy?
Does the counties insurance policy cover them for fighting freebies?
Do the firefighters assume personal liability and risk their lives and their families livelihoods for someone who "just forgot" to cough up $75?
And the next guy who decides not to pay? Do we take his land when he can't pay the emergency costs? Because liens don't pay the bills, you have to foreclose to get paid.

They refused his $75 because on principal.

If they allowed folks to pay them the $75 AFTER the house started burning, no one would pay at all.

As for his pets, those were his fault. They were his responsibility and he failed them.

Wish I had mod points.

Mod parent up, because it's true.

Being a good parent means that sometimes you interfere, even when you don't want to.

Being a good parent means that sometimes you DON'T interfere, even when you DO want to.

Deciding between the two cannot be boiled down to simple rules.