Reading this morning where California FD is looking into charging for services.
California fire department feeling the squeeze; decides to charge hundreds per hour for services | TheBlaze
"As early as November, the ECCFPD will require payment for aid rendered in the instance of vehicle accidents, hazardous material releases, illegal (intentionally set) fires and water emergencies. The fees range from $448 an hour (per engine) to $6,608 per three hours for handling complex hazmat situations.
Additional charges will be tacked on for the use of other services, such as extra crews, equipment or ambulance services.
“When we didn’t pass measures before, the community really challenged the district for not exploring and going after every other ways to find alternative revenue in lieu of asking for property taxes,” Fire Chief Brian Helmick said in explaining the decision"
Being with the rural VFD 90% of the fire calls were from brush/trash fires getting out of control by the wind picking up or not being attended. I remember one that was still piling on the brush as we were putting his grass fire out that had spread to his neighbors. A charge for fire services deemed preventable (a fire that was intentionally started) would either make people more safety conscious or would there be a delay in calling the FD?
Please keep this non-political and only discuss safety and economic issues.
