Deepak’s city has grown quite a lot over the past ten years. The city council has been discussing the need for a second fire department so that one would serve the northern part of the city and the other would serve the southern part. The city doesn’t have much room in the budget, so some people have suggested privatizing the fire department. However, others argue that it’s critical, that this would not work, and that it should be a public service.

Question

Deepak’s city has grown quite a lot over the past ten years. The city council has been discussing the need for a second fire department so that one would serve the northern part of the city and the other would serve the southern part. The city doesn’t have much room in the budget, so some people have suggested privatizing the fire department. However, others argue that it’s critical, that this would not work, and that it should be a public service.

Use the passage to answer the question.
Why would it be best for the new fire department to be provided as a public service?

a. Fire departments are too expensive for entrepreneurs to provide.

b. Demand for the fire department is greater than its supply.

c. The service should remain unlimited and accessible to all.

d. Not many people are interested in using the service.

Answer 1

c. The service should remain unlimited and accessible to all.

Having the fire department as a public service ensures that it is available to all residents of the city, regardless of their ability to pay. Privatizing the fire department could potentially limit access to those who cannot afford it, which goes against the principle of providing essential services to all members of the community.