Whoever willfully or carelessly shall cause an unlawful forest, grass, crops, or woods fire shall, in addition to all other penalties provided by law, be liable for payment of all reasonable costs and expenses incurred in suppressing the fire. The costs and expenses shall be payable to the Forestry Division or other governmental units, who shall, in the case of cooperating persons, disburse the funds in proportionate share based on standard suppression costs. When the costs and expenses are not paid within ninety (90) days after written notice of demand, it shall be the duty of the district attorney having jurisdiction to take proper legal proceedings for collection. The liability for costs of suppression shall exist whether there is criminal prosecution or not and the liability shall extend to the person or persons causing, directing, or permitting the activity as well as to the actual violator.
Added by Laws 1971, c. 349, § 212, emerg. eff. June 24, 1971. Amended by Laws 2001, c. 113, § 26, emerg. eff. April 18, 2001. Renumbered from § 1301-212 of this title by Laws 2001, c. 113, § 56, emerg. eff. April 18, 2001.