They 'could' have. IIRC, they showed up, but only to protect other properties .
Put the darn thing out, then fine the guy for not paying his fee. Case closed.
No. Can't.
He didn't pay for fire/rescue services.
The firemen legally and technically are not supposed to respond to his address. If they do, they do so at their own cost, and cannot 'FINE' him for anything, as he was given the choice not to pay, and not be covered. If they put out the fire, they would be encouraging other citizens to not pay, since the fireman can't 'charge' or 'fine' you.
The firemen were in a CATCH-22.
Everyone from the mayor on down said NO. If you are the Fire Chief 'on-scene', and this is CITY/TOWN policy, what do you do?
Would you give up your job, to put out that fire ?
Yep!