Fire Department as a Subscription Service ?

[bush_cheney2004]

Which was obviously not the case here.

As you posted before your edit.....Thank you captain obvious!

[ToadBrother]

The idea that fire coverage should not be part of normal property tax payments is outrageous. It shouldn't even be a choice. Talk about defending the indefensible.

There's this thing called democracy. If the folks out there want fire coverage, I'm sure all they have to do is vote to get it. They will, of course, have to pay for it, which is why some unincorporated areas in Canada and the US don't. It's a conscious choice. It's certainly not a choice I'd make, but I have no desire to force anybody to get fire protection for their own good.

[Smallc]

There's this thing called democracy. If the folks out there want fire coverage, I'm sure all they have to do is vote to get it.

This isn't addressing the idea that the department should be a subscription service that won't fight fires over what may in fact be a clerical error. IF they haven't paid, fight the fire and make them pay.

Edited October 22, 2010 by Smallc

[ToadBrother]

This isn't addressing the idea that the department should be a subscription service that won't fight fires over what may in fact be a clerical error.

If it was a clerical error then I'm sure the owners will successfully sue the fire department. I'm sure a settlement would be forthcoming.

IF they haven't paid, fight the fire and make them pay.

Uh huh, because debt collection is what a fire department should be doing.

These people didn't pay for fire protection, they don't get it. Unless they possess an IQ somewhat less than that of a chimpanzee, I'm sure they knew what that meant.

Edited October 22, 2010 by ToadBrother

[Smallc]

If it was a clerical error then I'm sure the owners will successfully sue the fire department. I'm sure a settlement would be forthcoming.

And the house still would have burnt down.

Uh huh, because debt collection is what a fire department should be doing.

Fire departments generally are administered by a local government. The fire department won't be the organization doing the debt collection.

These people didn't pay for fire protection, they don't get it. Unless they possess an IQ somewhat less than that of a chimpanzee, I'm sure they knew what that meant.

And I simply don't think that they should have such an option.

[bush_cheney2004]

From another county......

Vowell said people always think they will never be in a situation where they will need rural fire protection, but he said City of South Fulton personnel actually go above and beyond in trying to offer the service. He said the city mails out notices to customers in the specified rural coverage area, with coverage running from July 1 of one year to July 1 the next year.

At the end of the enrollment month of July, the city goes a step further and makes phone calls to rural residents who have not responded to the mail-out.

“These folks were called and notified,” Vowell said. “

I want to make sure everybody has the opportunity to get it and be aware it’s available. It’s been there for 20 years, but it’s very important to follow up.”

Mayor Crocker added, “It’s my understanding with talking with the firefighters that these folks had received their bill and they had also contacted them by phone.”

“My worst nightmare is that, for whatever reason, you don’t respond to someone who isn’t (a rural fire service member). That’s why we’re so diligent and adamant,” Vowell said. “No one wants what happened yesterday. I don’t want it, the fire department doesn’t want it, the (city commission) doesn’t want it.”

[Michael Hardner]

Why should we feel bad for people who make stupid decisions? It's their stupid decisions, their mistake, their consequences, and them who should feel bad about it if they suffer as a result of their bad decision.

Do you feel guilty or something ? Where did I tell you what to feel ? I think it's your conscience that's making you feel bad not me. I don't care if you hate humans or not - just don't look for me to approve of your philosophy, as I don't.

[The_Squid]

What if people (their children) were trapped in the burning trailer that didn't pay their $75? Should the fire department respond then? Or is burning people to a crisp OK since their parents didn't pay a fee?

Our volunteer fire department responds to car accidents. Do they ensure that someone has paid their fee first before administering CPR? What about out of county motorists? They don't pay for emergency service there.... should the local fire department waste precious resources on them?

What about that kitty cat up the tree? What has happened to public service? Oh yeah... I forgot about the mantra "taxes suck".

Edited October 22, 2010 by The_Squid

[ToadBrother]

What if people (their children) were trapped in the burning trailer that didn't pay their $75? Should the fire department respond then? Or is burning people to a crisp OK since their parents didn't pay a fee?

Our volunteer fire department responds to car accidents. Do they ensure that someone has paid their fee first before administering CPR? What about out of county motorists? They don't pay for emergency service there.... should the local fire department waste precious resources on them?

What about that kitty cat up the tree? What has happened to public service? Oh yeah... I forgot about the mantra "taxes suck".

What do you mean "what has happened"? I've already detailed for you that, at least in BC, those areas that refuse to pay for fire protection are deemed on their own. Looks like the same applies to areas in the US and in the UK.

Want to make fire protection mandatory everywhere, that means you have to provide it, too. What about some guy that lives out in the hills? Lots of those types in BC, guys who either have summer cabins out on remote lakes or who actually live in out of the way or isolated spots?

[Smallc]

Want to make fire protection mandatory everywhere, that means you have to provide it, too. What about some guy that lives out in the hills? Lots of those types in BC, guys who either have summer cabins out on remote lakes or who actually live in out of the way or isolated spots?

Then (at least here), 911 tasks the nearest department to respond (in the communities with 911 - most of them now have it).

[ToadBrother]

Then (at least here), 911 tasks the nearest department to respond (in the communities with 911 - most of them now have it).

I know of spots in BC where response means, maybe, a search and rescue helicopter gets out to your burning corpse in an hour. I'm sure it's no different anywhere else in Canada, except maybe PEI.

[guyser]

What if people (their children) were trapped in the burning trailer that didn't pay their $75?

As I understand it the fire dept responds to ensure no loss of life, secure that no surrounding buildings get torched , but the actual house (that didnt pony up) is left to burn

Our volunteer fire department responds to car accidents. Do they ensure that someone has paid their fee first before administering CPR?

Your car insurance pays for that.

Here in Ontario your home insurance pays the fire dept charges.

Edited October 22, 2010 by guyser

[Smallc]

I know of spots in BC where response means, maybe, a search and rescue helicopter gets out to your burning corpse in an hour. I'm sure it's no different anywhere else in Canada, except maybe PEI.

Yes, there are places like that, but those are exceptions to the rule.

[ToadBrother]

As I understand it the fire dept responds to ensure no loss of life, secure that no surrounding buildings get torched , but the actual house (that didnt pony up) is left to burn

That's my understanding as well. Their job at that point is emergency responders. They take no steps to prevent property damage. I doubt there are any fire departments in the Western world that would stand by and let people die.

[eyeball]

Those without had to depend on their neighbours generosity.

Effing commies.