For $75, I bet a collection would have come up with that in no time, or chalk it up as a lost pair of boots.
Do you think they would take up the collection if....
This homeowner had refused to pay, and had spoken to the FD and informed them that even if he didn't pay, they still had to put out a fire. If this homeowner then went on to suggest that have might just have to 'prove' it, one day.
There are, in this land, many people who don't exactly have their heads screwed on straight. Manic/Depressives come to mind.
NOW, all of that is pure conjecture, so take it with a grain of salt, but keep an open mind on this. I think there is more involved in this than just a simple problem with a missed payment.