June 28, 2000

Summer in the desert usually means fires. Fires like the one in Springville earlier this month.

It threatened homes, forced neighbors to evacuate, and charred 400 acres. And now, at least one of the teens who admitted starting that fire will face charges.

After those fires and many others like them, we hear the warning that people who start fires out of negligence will pay the costs of fighting fires out of their pockets.

Is it more than an empty threat? News Specialist Nadine Wimmer set out to find the answer.

One drop from a plane to the flames--$8,000.

One hour of helicopter assistance--up to $2,000.

One engine team--$250 an hour.

Fighting fires costs taxpayers big money, and a growing number of agencies issue the threat that people who start fires should help pay to stop fires.

Dick Buehler/Wildland Fire Investigator: "WE JUST NEED PEOPLE TO UNDERSTAND, IF THEY START A FIRE THAT NECESSITATES THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS TO SUPPRESS IT, THEY'RE RESPONSIBLE FOR THOSE COSTS."

Nadine Wimmer, Eyewitness News: "UTAH LAW CLEARLY ALLOWS AGENCIES TO RECOVER THE COSTS OF FIGHTING RECKLESSLY CAUSED FIRES. BUT WHETHER THEY ACTUALLY FOLLOW THROUGH ON THAT THREAT VARIES FROM PLACE TO PLACE."

Officials in Salt lake City can't remember ever trying to recoup the costs from a person.

Just last week, four teens were caught after setting fire to an abandoned business. Murray fire leaders have no plans to give them a bill.

Blair Camp/Murray Fire Chief: "OUR PHILOSOPHY IS TAX DOLLARS FUND OUR SERVICE THAT WE PROVIDE HERE AND WE LEAVE PUNISHMENTS UP TO THE COURT."

Some fire leaders say cost recovery would bankrupt families and rack up legal bills.

"THE INDIVIDUALS THAT ARE INVOLVED HERE, IT WOULD BE VERY HARD TO GET ANY MONEY OUT OF THEM. IT'S JUST NOT THERE."

But other firefighters believe money's not the only issue.

"WE RISK A LOT OF RESOURCES AND A LOT OF LIVES TO PUT THESE FIRES OUT. AND WE'D LIKE TO SEE IT AS A PREVENTION TOOL."

The Springville fire, admittedly set by two young people, will be the next test case. Springville police say they may pursue costs if the teens are convicted.

Forest officials say if the city doesn't, they just might.