According to these facts, the fire brigade would not be liable because there is insufficient proximity between the fire brigade and the owners of property for a duty of care to be imposed. In the case of John Munroe Ltd v London Fire Brigade [1969] 1 QB 428, the Court of Appeal held that there was neither proximity nor a special relationship sufficient to give rise to a duty of care in these circumstances. The court reasoned that imposing such a duty would hinder the effectiveness of the fire service and could lead to an unmanageable flood of litigation. 

Key Point: The case of John Munroe Ltd v London Fire Brigade is pivotal in understanding the limitations of duty of care regarding public services. Public policy considerations play a crucial role in determining the extent of liability, especially when it involves essential services like fire brigades. The decision highlights that without a clear and proximate relationship, and considering the broader public interest, a duty of care may not be imposed.