Department of Forestry and Fire Protection: civil cost recovery.

Existing law requires a person who, among other things, negligently or in violation of the law sets a fire, allows a fire to be set, or allows a fire to escape onto any public or private property to be liable for fire suppression costs incurred in fighting the fire and for rescue or emergency medical services. Existing law authorizes public agencies participating in the fire suppression, rescue, or emergency medical services to designate one or more agencies to bring an action to recover the costs incurred by all the participating agencies. Among other things, the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection is responsible for providing fire protection and prevention. Existing law provides…