re: #283 wee fury

The thing is — many rural counties have an opt/pay fire protection program. Pima County, AZ is one that comes to mind. Sometimes, those who live in urban areas, where many public services are a given, tend to forget that rural living public services can be much different.
The homeowner gambled with his home by not paying the fire protection. He lost.

Just for the complete avoidance of doubt: urban and suburban public services are not a “given”; they are paid for by taxes.