Lit it not childishly: how a Ukrainian teenager burned an American forest for $37 million

This fire in Oregon could not be extinguished for two months, as a result, almost 195 square kilometers of tourist forests burned out. And it all started with the fact that a 15-year-old boy decided to launch fireworks in a picturesque canyon.

Now, according to the court's decision, he must pay $ 37 million. At the same time, the judge decided that the boy's guilt does not apply to his parents, emigrants from Ukraine. He has to pay for his actions himself.

Source: Independent

A 15-year-old teenager from Vancouver, Washington, on September 2 last year launched a firework in the forest, from which a dry bush caught fire. It happened in the Oregon National Park near the Columbia River and caused a large-scale forest fire that could not be eliminated for two months.

The fire spread over an area of more than 19 thousand hectares. Because of the fire, hundreds of people had to be evacuated and a major interstate highway was blocked for a long time. But most importantly, the flames destroyed popular hiking trails and ruined the stunning views of the national park.

Despite the sincere confession of the arsonist, the court ruled on a fine of $ 36.6 million. These funds should cover the costs of extinguishing the fire, repairing and restoring houses. In addition, the judge appointed 1920 hours of community service to the teenager, and also ordered him to write 150 letters of apology to everyone who suffered losses from the fire.

The boy's lawyer called for a "reasonable and rational" fine, calling $37 million an absurd amount for a child, but the judge was adamant. "Compensation is proportionate to the crime," he said.

The name of the arsonist is not disclosed for his safety. The parents of the convicted teenager are ordinary people from Odessa, a cook and a housewife. They moved to the USA from Ukraine in 2000. The judge ruled that the young arsonist can pay a gigantic fine in installments. According to local laws, the state government now has the right to withdraw money from all convict accounts. It is assumed that he will be able to repay the debt within about 10 years, provided that he does not commit any offenses in the future.

For $36.6 million, you can buy a luxury six-bedroom mansion in Beverly Hills. The maintenance of the President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko costs Ukrainians about the same amount.