Comment Re:You're kidding, right? (Score 1) 2058
That's a load of sh*t and you know it. Why not put out the fire and then bill him for the $75? Having them show up but refuse to put water to flame is just plain mean on a level I don't quite have the words to describe.
And they *did* have to show up - to make sure the neighbor's houses didn't burn down. I'd say the FD should be on the hook for the cost of the house, reckless endangerment, and cruelty to animals.
It's not mean is just practical. The $75 is more like an insurance policy payment not the cost of fighting a fire. You would probably expect to be able to buy collision insurance after you wrecked the car and have them pay for the repairs if you just pay the premium. They showed up for the neighbors because they paid. The guy took a stupid chance and lost. It is a harsh lesson but that is the way it should be. In this rural 2 person + volunteers fire department, there is virtually no money to work with. If the FD was on the hook for the home then it would either have to disband and nobody would have fire protection or raise the fee of those that did to cover the dead beats.
