R652-123-200. Procedure to Collect for Wildland Fire Suppression Costs

  (1) The Division shall track the costs it incurs to suppress all wildland fires, including those suspected to be ignited by human activity.

  (2) All fires suspected to be human-caused should be investigated as thoroughly as possible.

  (3) If an investigation reasonably shows that a person or persons started a fire by acting in a negligent, reckless or intentional manner, the person(s) deemed responsible may be sent an invoice and a request for payment by the Division to pursue wildfire cost recovery.

  (4) If cost recovery is pursued, the person(s) deemed responsible shall be contacted by certified mail/return receipt and be given Notice of Intent to Collect. The notice shall also include an invitation to meet with staff within 30 days and present any new evidence or to dispute the case.

  (5) At the end of the 30 days after the notice is received, a Demand for Payment Letter and invoice may be sent by the Division stating that the Division demands payment for the costs as authorized by the Utah Code, Section 65A-3-4.

  (6) If payment is not received by the Division within 90 days of the date of the invoice, the Division may pursue payment by one of the following means:

  (a) collection of a delinquent account in accordance with Sections 63A-3-301 through 63A-3-310, Accounts Receivable Collection; or,

  (b) by tendering the account to a collection agency for immediate collection.

  7. In cases where undue financial hardship would be caused by full payment of an invoice, the responsible party may negotiate with the Division to make alternate arrangements, including installment payments to satisfy the debt.