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Friday, February 19, 2010
Environment - Superfund used to justify $28,000 bill to fight fire at couple's home
6News Indy had this story last evening:
NEW CASTLE, Ind. -- An Indiana lawmaker has pledged to investigate how a New Castle family could be charged nearly $28,000 to fight a fire that destroyed their home.Emergency Services Billing Corporation, based in Brownsburg, sent Brian and Darline Fairchild an itemized bill including charges for water and refilling firefighters' oxygen tanks after last year's fire, 6News' Joanna Massee reported, after the Cadiz/Harrison Township Volunteer Fire Department battled the blaze.
"I said 'Oh my God, they've got to be kidding," Darline Fairchild said.
Company owner Robert Blackford said federal environmental law allows him to bill unlimited fees for the departments' services, and that Indiana law permits departments to set fees themselves.
But Rep. Dan Burton said he thought the law -- The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act introduced in 1980 -- was supposed be used for major environmental cleanups. * * *
Blackford said nothing will stop him from charging the fees. He is currently suing insurance companies that have refused to pay in federal court.
State Fire Marshal James Greeson said his office recommends limited charges, but said there are no consequences if departments choose to charge more.
Posted by Marcia Oddi on February 19, 2010 12:18 PM
Posted to Environment | Indiana Government