Former Jerome Fire Chief told “He’d Take the Heat” for Fire Bill

JEROME, Idaho (AP) — Former Jerome Fire Chief Jack Krill said the city administrator told him he would be "taking the heat" for a nearly $97,000 bill for firefighting costs sent to the owner of a building that was destroyed by a fire in April.

The Times-News obtained emails from Krill to Mayor John Shine in which Krill said City Administrator Polly Hulsey told him she was worried criticism over the bill would cost her her job.

Krill told the mayor in June that he tried to explain to Hulsey they couldn't bill the building owner for firefighting efforts, but she insisted he put together an invoice for the owner to submit to insurance. Hulsey told the newspaper it was Krill who came up with the decision to bill the owner. Krill resigned Sept. 4.