Firefighters Let Home Burn Over Unpaid Fee

[Monkeydad]

I bet everyone who hadn't before now sent their $75 in.

However, I believe they really had the ethical responsibility to help the family. Firefighters don't work piece-rate or on commission, most of them volunteer in fact...so I'm surprised they let this happen. They must have had strict orders not to help people who had not paid the fee.

They've already used the resources/time/manpower to come to the house...why not put it out?

I certainly hope they at least made sure everyone was out of the house before watching it burn down completely. What if it began to spread to a neighboring house, would they make a call to the treasurer to see if the neighbor paid the fee before deciding to take action?

Holding citizens' safety hostage to impose a tax or make a political statement is wrong. Yes, people need to pay their bills, but $75 is a strain on some family budgets in today's economy. I wonder if they allow payments to be made...$5 every paycheck or something easier for cash-strapped families. They should not have to risk their lives by not being able to afford yet another fee/tax imposed upon them.

Much like doctors outside of their office, firefighters have an obligation to help when people need their skills.




What would happen if it turns out the secretary misposted their payment or they can prove it was sent in (bank records)?

Can they sue the municipality to replace their house?

Over $75, these actions (or lack of) are potentially opening all taxpayers and the fire department/local government to MUCH MORE liability than $75.

Yes they made their point...but at what cost?