On: What I learned from reading a thousand emergency room bills

[Animats]

In the past, fire companies would show up and demand payment before putting out fires. If a payment couldn't be made, the company might negotiate the purchase of the burning property at a steep discount.

Usually credited to Marcus Licinius Crassus, who had a fire brigade for just that purpose. Contemporary of Julius Caesar.

[GabrielBen → Animats]

The richest man of his time. And maybe well earned ,by literally saving people's houses from burning down.