Everyone knows when a fire breaks out, you call for help.

But what if help never comes?

The I-Team takes a closer look at where the fire department is not allowed to go.

One the very first things we're taught as children is that, if there's a fire, we should dial 9-1-1; firefighters will come and try to save your home. But for many Alaskans, that's just not the case. If you live in the wrong place, no one is coming to help.

All that is left of Ace Callaway's 180,000-dollar home is a pile of debris and ash.

"Somebody banged on the door and told me this place was on fire. That's when I called 911," said Callaway.

Within minutes, firefighters were on the way, but then stopped and went back to the station. Callaway saw them turn around, but did not know why they weren't coming.

"You always think a firefighter's coming to your rescue. And then when they turn off their lights and kept going, it's a different type of feeling than I've experienced before," said Callaway.

Callaway watched his home burn to the ground. That was the day he learned he lived outside the fire service area, by just 180 feet. His house is just two miles from the fire station.

Callaway lives in Fairbanks. But if you think we don't face the same issue in Anchorage, you're in for a shock. All over the state fire departments adhere to strict rules of where they can and can't go--especially in the Valley.

"This grey area is no mans land. In other words, house in there don't receive fire protection," said Chief Daniel Contini of the Palmer Fire Department.

Palmer fire Chief Contini says, unless someone's life is at risk, his hands are tied.

"If there's any chance that someone's still in a building or life is in danger, we're allowed to go. But if everybody is out of the house and it's just a building burning, then the fire departments don't respond," said Chief Contini.

The chief tells the I-Team

Chief Daniel Contini of the Palmer Fire Department
that, if you live in a service area, you pay a tax based on your property's value. If you live outside the area, you have to fend for yourself. For those like Callaway, left to rebuild, the fact they weren't hurt is their only consolation.

"Bottom line, everything can be replaced that we lost and no one was hurt. So that I'm grateful for," said Callaway.

It is a good attitude for someone who now owns 180,000 dollars worth of debris.

Fire crews in Anchorage have a bit more leeway when it comes to where they can go. But if you don't pay the fire tax and crews come to your rescue, expect to get a bill.

To contact Nick, call 907-273-3186.