Whoever willfully or carelessly shall cause an unlawful forest, grass 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 same. Said costs and expenses shall be payable to the Forestry Division or other governmental units, who shall, in the case of cooperating persons, disburse such funds in proportionate share based on standard suppression costs. When such costs and expenses are not paid in a reasonable time after demand, it shall be the duty of the district attorney having jurisdiction to take proper legal proceedings for the collection thereof. The liability for costs of suppression shall obtain whether there be criminal prosecution or not and the liability shall extend to the person or persons, firm or corporation causing, directing or permitting such activity as well as to the actual violator.

Laws 1971, c. 349, § 212, emerg. eff. June 24, 1971.