@ Incognitas

I would bet my home and paycheck that had human life been at stake the firefighters would have done what had to be done, no questions asked.  That is the medal of a firefighter. But I can at least understand the decision making process, right or wrong in this case.

I think most all fire fighters are first responders to medical emergencies nowadays also, at least in my part of the country. What about the heart attack victim that lives within a block of an empty fire house?  How far outside the town limits do you offer extended coverage for a fee, one mile, two miles, 50 miles? 

Unprotected areas is what has spawned volunteer fire units for decades.