They could have put it out and sent him a bill. It would hav been a lot more than $75.
Then why would ANYONE pay $75/yr to the FD? The FD is not supported by tax dollars, so the money has to come from somewhere. If no one pays the 'insurance', then the FD will go broke - and then NO ONE will have fire protection. Do you want a Nanny State - which is essentially communism - or do you subscribe to the basic principle of Personal Responsibility? It's really that simple.
No the couldn't.
If they put it out, they would be doing so at their own cost. The Fire Department/City cannot 'charge' him for services he has refused to subscribe to.
They would be better off to sick the EPA on him for violating local air standards because the Fire Department was left with no recourse but to watch it burn.