There is also the factor of putting firefighter's lives at risk. I trust no one thinks that firefighting is just a simple matter of dumping some water on a bonfire. It is not, of course. Every single fire that is responded to is a deadly trap awaiting the firefighters. There is a huge liability resting on the shoulders of fire commanders every time they order their men into the blaze.
Now--this guy's own relatives started the fire, according to the news sources. They evidently had not prepared in any way to take care of the problem once they started the fire either. In addition, he refused to pay $6/month for these firefighter's to put their lives in jeopardy for him. And...suddenly the government is expected to take care of everyone, even people who refuse to take responsibility and do their part, and all the rest of us are supposed to pay for it? Hmmm, that is the thinking that leads to societal irresponsibility, big government and more taxes, isn't it?
I vote that every time another bunch of idiots gets trapped climbing at Garden of the Gods, we rescue them for free and then charge those who think that it is government's job to take care of everyone, no matter how reckless or stupid or negligent or criminal they are.
Just because the media goes around looking for some outrageous case to make their case for bigger government and less individual responsibility, we don't have to suck it in and swallow it whole.