Everbody understands that a fire department needs to be paid for, and by the people who benefit from it. That's not the point.
This is a not a fire department. If it were a fire department they would put out fires instead of standing around watching them.
Note that they deployed anyway. Obviously, whoever he called had his address, and they'd have immediately known whether he'd paid his protection money or not. But they deployed anyway. Why bother?
If I lived in the area, I'd have paid my protection money, but I would have also taken steps to install my own water tank and firefighting equipment, since the fire department is obviously of questionable dependability. Anybody that lives there is only one clerical error away from having their payment "lost".
Because his 3 neighbors had payed their yearly dues and they were making sure their houses didn't catch fire. They were doing what they are paid to do. If he doesn't like the system he should move to a high tax area or live in the city.
Why do you people feel we must live like you? Why must you force your high tax ways on us? The people in the area overwhelmingly voted down a tax based fire system. The people have spoken. Majority rule and all that. I thought that was what made America great.
To make sure the fire did not spread to other houses that had bought the yearly tag.
Anybody that lives there is only one clerical error away from having their payment "lost".
Same thing can be said for you Social Security check, and your auto insurance.
Speaking of which, since you obviously believe that people should be allowed to wait until after the accident happens to buy insurance, why don't you cancel your car insurance and buy it when you need it?