This just makes me sick!

[dainerra]

The residents don't get the services for "free". They are paid for by their taxes. Those who live outside the city limits aren't paying those taxes. Therefore, if they want the services, they need to pay for them.

It is like saying that you should be able to drive your neighbor's car. Afterall, you don't see him dropping the check in the mail therefore he must be getting it for free, right?

Believe me, nothing in this world is free. All that equptment isn't cheap and the money comes from somewhere.

Eta: a similar argument is that schools are free. After all, we don't write a check to the school district every month. But a huge chunk of your property taxes go there.

 

[desertdarlene]

What I wonder is why there isn't a county or state fire agency that covers areas outside of the city or town? I've never heard of an area not covered by a fire service. Our city doesn't respond to house fires outside our city, usually, but another city or the county does or will unless it's a raging brush fire. It sounds like this area needs to work with their state or counties on this.

 

[chickened]

Anyone that knows how insurance rates are calculated knows wew are paying for their insurance claim as well. Aside from the fee and not paying it it was stupid for the image of the FD to show up and do nothing. They should put it out and hand them a bill. That is what the county does when they come clean up your property of junk that is a violation of code.
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[justuschickens59]

Here is what I think is a valid question. HOW did the Fire Department know these home owners had not paid the $75 fee?

What would happen in a scenario where a home owner paid their $75 fee. Their house caught fire and they called the FD. The FD records showed the home owner had not paid the fee, but came on out to roast hot dogs and watch. What would happen then? Would they stand around and watch the house burn to the ground while the home owner ran back in their burning house to get a copy of their canceled check to prove they had paid the fee? If this were to actually happen, and it is not out of the realm of possibility, I guarantee that they FD/city/mayor or whoever would be out more than the $75 fee or a new fire hose.

The system in that town really is inadequate and needs to be changed.

And for the record, this is not a slam to the firemen - I have great respect for them. I don't blame this on them - I blame the idiots who came up with this type of system.

 

[chickened]

You can bet the FD had been to that home and told them in person that they had no coverage if for anything to keep from being sued.

I bet there are plenty of residents right now making sure their fee is paid. My FIL always said you fire a hard worker once in a while and the ones still working work harder.

 

[mom'sfolly]

I really have to wonder about the whole scenario....

Do the firefighters have a GPS in their trucks with all the homes paying the fee clearly marked?

Are trailer homes, in trailer parks, just considered to be outside the jurisdiction?

Did the firefighters get there, see a fully engulfed home, and decide that containment was the only option, thus "sitting and watching"?

Did the homeowners just assume that the fire wasn't fought because they hadn't paid there dues?

Are the fees clearly represented and billed?

There are lots of questions here.

The reason taxes pay for things like schools, firefighters and the police are because at one time, many of these services were pay as you go. Only the elite got fire service, school and police, everyone else did what they could. Cities also instituted firefighter services because of the threat of catastrophic spreading fire.

 

[chickened]

Some trailer (parks?) need a good fire.

 

[conny63malies]

if you watch the video you can hear the reporter say " they knew about the fee but deceided not to pay because they thought it would never happen to them" sounds like they knew ,they had the money they just thought they were smart and save the mopney. Its like people who dont have car insurance because they dont ever have a accident.

 

[rebelcowboysnb]

How did they know?When you call 911 the computer in most 911 centers tells the dispatcher more information about the home an home owner than you can shake a stick at.

Why is there no state level fire coverage? Tn like most states has a foristry that does wild fires but as far as I know there is no state that mans a firefighting service for residental fires for countys that chose not to man one there self. There has never been a requirement or expectation of fire coverage inside the USA. If you have it its because someone at some point put the effort in to starting one. The local FD that I worked with for 13 years was started in 1981 out of the founders own pockets.


Did they tell them that they had no fire coverage to not get sued. They probably told them but they really cant be sued. Again there is no requirement for fire services.

 

[EweSheep]

Very good thoughts, Mom'sfolly!