[Old_Grouch]

There was a day when cops would help fight the fire until the firetrucks arrived, even drag out people and kittens from the house.

That was my thought. Why weren't these tough men helping save residents' property???? Not in their union contract?

[Altariel]

Apparently not. Heck, even “Barney Fife” would haven’t been standing around waiting for the “appropriate government employees” in event of a fire, especially not one in real danger of spreading to other houses.