Legal Question in Insurance Law in Wisconsin

Fire Department/DNR Outrageous Charges - Fight it?

In October, my 13-year-old son started burning paper in our trash burning barrel outside. I quickly had him put it out because it was very dry and we can't burn on Sunday. A spark got out somewhere and an hour later we had a grass fire that burned about 10 acres of grass on our land and 5 acres of grass on a neighbors land. The bill from the Fire Department was $900.00 and the Department of Natural Resources was $2,600.00!! What do I pay taxes for?? The insurance company says they don't have to pay for that sort of thing. Can I fight city hall? The insurance company? Who can I appeal to? When they (FD and DNR) were here they said there wouldn't be a charge, it was an accident, etc., and everyone was wonderful. Now, 2 months later, I got this bill! We can't possibly pay it. What can I do? Who do I see?


Asked on 12/15/03, 12:27 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Frank Pasternak Pasternak & Zirgibel S.C.

Re: Fire Department/DNR Outrageous Charges - Fight it?

Unfortunately, I am not an expert in this area. If I were you, however, I would however make certain that there is no insurance coverage by asking the insurer to put its rejection of your claim in writing identifying those parts it relies on in doing so. You may wish to call the Wisconsin Bar at (800) 362-9082. Good luck.

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Answered on 12/15/03, 10:41 am


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