My understanding was that the "legality" of the mandatory fire fee rests on the difference between "Legality" and "Mandatory." Sort of a "Depends on what the meaning of 'is' is." I've been told that while one does not face a fine or jail time for not paying the fire fee, they do face a hefty charge if the fire department is called to their property and they have not paid the annual dues. I believe the charge is substantially more than a lifetime of annual dues and that cost is not covered by most Insurance plans.

Of course that is not an issue for those who choose to be responsible citizens and recognize that we all have certain obligations to the community where we elect to reside.

An additional thought is that if everyone paid their annual dues, the probable reduced ISO rating and consequent Insurance Rates would more than offset the dues. --Jon Halsey