CA Sends Parents $675K Bill for Wildfire Started by Their Kids

Investigators said the parents failed to supervise the kids who had also started another fire.
June 13, 2023

The parents of two young children who started a wildfire in 2020 have received a $675,178 bill from California officials.

The state says Nathan and Joy S failed to supervise their kids while camping at the Skyline Truck Trail in Jamul, CBS8 reported. 

The parents' last name was listed as 'S' to protect the identity of their children who started the fire that burned for three days. 

Investigators learned that three days earlier, the kids had set another fire using sticks from a campfire. 

"The parents had the opportunity and ability to control the conduct of their minor children in their custody and control and should have recognized the necessity to adequately supervise and monitor their minor children to prevent the very same risk of harm that ultimately led to the Skyline 3 Fire," according to the lawsuit.

As for the Jamul fire, the parents tried, but were unable to extinguish it. The flames spread to vegetation and a neighboring property.

The state is asking that the parents pay $675,178 for the cost of fighting the fire and the damage it caused.

MORE: https://www.cbs8.com/article/news/local/california-wants-parents-to-pay-for-the-wildfire-their-kids-started-while-camping/509-5f2e5dc5-0dd2-4236-adc7-91b4e0bf35a9

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