Imagine a fire starting in your home.  Your first thought would be to call 911 and have the fire department come out and help, right?  Well that is what a Tennessee family did, but didn't receive any help from the fire fighters.

Growing up we were always taught that the fire department was around to help put out fires.  If you saw a fire, all you have to do is call them and they will come to the rescue.  Well that isn't always so.

Vicky Bell, from Obion County Tennessee, called for help when her mobile home caught on fire.  The result, the fire fighters showing up and watching as her home and all her belonging went up in flames.

So why did they just sit back and watch?  Because Obion county has a local law that says people who are not residents of South Fulton have to pay an annual fee of $75.oo in order to receive the fire departments services.

South Fulton Mayor David Crocker defended the fire department, saying that if firefighters responded to non-subscribers, no one would have an incentive to pay the fee.

Now I understand that it takes a lot of money to run a fire department, but how could anyone sit and watch as a family's home and all their belongings were destroyed.  Everything these people worked hard for is gone.   I don't understand not helping.

This is completely insane.  Especially since the same thing happened last year to Gene Cranick.  He, too, had not paid the $75.00 and lost everything.

Maybe there is a better way of charging this fee.  Include it on the family's water bill or something.  DO NOT just sit and watch a family house and belongings burn!  What do yo think?

You can watch the news story here.

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