Man billed $20K for grass fire
Man billed $20K for grass fire
29 April 2010
published by www.thepeterboroughexaminer.com
United Kingdom — The man fire officials say is responsible for starting an April 2 grass fire that swept across 200 acres has been handed a bill for $20,000.
The fire, that covered four properties between Burleigh Falls and Young’s Point on the 15th Line between North School Rd. and Hwy. 28, began because a man was burning large amounts of cardboard and garbage on a windy day when everything was dry.
Fire officials said he was burning the material in the frame of an old farmhouse, but the wind swept in and picked up the pieces of cardboard, carrying it out to the surrounding terrain.
A Smith-Ennismore-Lakefield bylaw states that anyone who engages in a reckless and careless activity that starts a large fire can be charged for the cost of the fire.
Smith-Ennismore-Lakefield fire department Chief Gord Jopling said the man has the option of discussing the tab with township council.
