76-6-104.5. Abandonment of a fire -- Penalties.
(1) Terms defined in Sectionsandapply to this section. 76-1-101.5 76-6-101
(2) An actor commits abandonment of a fire if, under circumstances not amounting to the offense of arson, aggravated arson, or causing a catastrophe, the actor leaves a fire: without first completely extinguishing it; and with the intent to not return to the fire.
(3) A violation of Subsection: (2) is a class C misdemeanor if there is no property damage; is a class B misdemeanor if property damage is less than $1,000 in value; and is a class A misdemeanor if property damage is or exceeds $1,000 in value.
(4) An actor does not commit a violation of Subsectionif the actor leaves a fire to report an uncontrolled fire. (2)
(5) If a violation of Subsectioninvolves a wildland fire, the actor is also liable for suppression costs under Section. (2) 65A-3-4
(6) A fire spreading or reigniting is prima facie evidence that the actor did not completely extinguish the fire as required by Subsection. (2)(a)