Man! That's good reading!It re-hashed knowledge I had,but forgot over the years.Back in the 1870's to 1920's,Fire Companys outnumbered Fire Departments by somewhere like 10 to 1!That was due mainly because of Funding,or lack of Funding.Most buildings,houses,apts,etc. had special Plaques or plates displayed on their frontside's,So the corresponding Insurance coverage,could be Identified.Many row houses back in that day,burnt to the ground,because the majority of them didn't display the Plaques,It didn't matter if 1 or 2 had them up,As even if they responded to those 1 or 2,they were Row houses,& the fires would eventually consume the whole Enchilada!Personally,I'd pay $75.00 a month for Fire services,If it meant Yes or No,That's Cheap Insurance/Peace of Mind,as compared to a Lot full of Charcoal!