Had house fire. Board up company did work without my permission.

[Erich Henson]

I'm looking for a little advice.  I received a bill for $1000 after a house fire on one of my rental properties.  The company says they boarded up my house because the fire department called them after the fire.  I never authorized the work.  The tenant signed an agreement with the board up company, not me.  So I didn't pay them and now they are going to file a mechanics lien on my house!  

Is this legal?  I didn't hire them because I would have had my handyman board up the house for a fraction of the cost.  If I refuse to pay, is it legal for them to pursue me for collections and file a mechanics lien?  I almost feel like I'm being bullied into paying them because I'd probably have to hire an attorney to fight this and it would end up costing more...  Any thoughts?

Thank you!