I read about a guy in his 80s who did the DIY equivalent of this. He was concerned about fire danger so spent years and much savings preparing. He built a large

I read about a guy in his 80s who did the DIY equivalent of this. He was concerned about fire danger so spent years and much savings preparing. He built a large water tank, got lots of pro fire fighting gear including a full bunker suit with breathing gear, etc. The fire happened, burned out his neighbors, but by actively fighting it he saved his property. Regardless of whether of not the right amount of taxes are spent on public firefighting, this seems admirable to me. If he had hired someone else to fight the fire, his foresight and preparation, if perhaps not his personal courage, would be as admirable.