Or perhaps the homeowner didn't pay the annual fire department dues... ok, obviously that's a staged pic
Seriously though, many places in the U.S., mostly rural areas, require everyone who desires fire protection to pay for it, usually annually,
in advance - don't pay, the firefighters, even if they do show up, won't put out the fire; at most, contain it to the property. Google it - many people are surprised that fire protection in many places in the U.S. is an optional, paid service.