Sec. 51509.
(1) Except as provided in section 51503b, a person who sets fire on any land and negligently allows the fire to escape and become a forest or grass fire is liable for all expenses incurred by the state in the suppression of the fire.
(2) The department shall certify, in writing, to the person the claim of the state under subsection (1) and shall list the items of expense incurred in the suppression of the fire. The claim shall be paid within 60 days and, if not paid within that time, the department may bring suit against the person in a court of competent jurisdiction in the county of the residence of the defendant or of any defendant if there is more than 1, for the collection of the claim at any time within 2 years after the fire. If the amount of the claim is cognizable by a circuit court, the department may file the suit in the circuit court of Ingham county, or in the circuit court of the county of the residence of the defendant or any defendant if there is more than 1.
History: Add. 1995, Act 57, Imd. Eff. May 24, 1995 ;-- Am. 2004, Act 529, Imd. Eff. Jan. 3, 2005 Popular Name: Act 451Popular Name: NREPA
Structure Michigan Compiled Laws
Chapter 324 - Natural Resources and Environmental Protection
Act 451 of 1994 - Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (324.101 - 324.90106)
Article III - Natural Resources Management (324.30101...324.83109)
451-1994-III-2 - Chapter 2 Management of Renewable Resources (324.40101...324.53519)
451-1994-III-2-4 - Subchapter 4 Forests (324.50101...324.53519)
451-1994-III-2-4-FOREST-FIRES - Forest Fires (324.51501...324.51906)
Section 324.51501 - Definitions.
Section 324.51502 - Department of Natural Resources; Authority; Appointment of Assistants.
Section 324.51503 - Burning Permits; Conditions.
Section 324.51503b - Prescribed Burning; Liability; Requirements.
Section 324.51504 - Acts Prohibited.
Section 324.51505 - Refuse Disposal Facilities; Devices; Conditions; Rules.
Section 324.51508 - Repealed. 2015, Act 210, Eff. Mar. 14, 2016.
Section 324.51510 - Prohibited Acts; Exception.
Section 324.51511 - Department of Natural Resources Officer, Employee, or Agent; Right of Entry.