CHAPTER 186

An Act to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered 10-
61.1, to provide for recovery of expenses incurred in suppressing
grass, brush, or forest fires originating from certain causes.

[H 160]
Approved March 6, 1958

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That the Code of Virginia be amended by adding a section numbered
10-61.1 as follows:

§ 10-61.1. Whenever it shall be established that a forest, brush, or
grass fire originated from the negligent construction, maintenance or
operation of an electric transmission line, or of the right of way, the owner
of the line shall pay to the State and the county in which such fire oc-
curred all expenses incurred by them in suppressing the fire. Such fire
suppression expenses shall be recoverable by action at law brought by the
State Forester in the name of the Commonwealth on behalf of the Com-
monwealth and on behalf of the board of supervisors of the county or
counties in which the fire burned.

It shall be the duty of the Commonwealth’s attorneys of the several
counties to institute and prosecute proper proceedings under this section
at the request of the State Forester.