San Francisco Fire Code § 113.8 Civil Action to Recover Costs

Under California Health and Safety Code Section 13009, any person who negligently, or in violation of the law, sets a fire, allows a fire to be set, or allows a fire kindled or attended by him or her to escape onto any public or private property is liable for the fire suppression costs incurred in fighting the fire and for the cost of providing rescue or emergency medical services, and those costs shall be charged against that person. The City and County of San Francisco may initiate a civil action in any court of competent jurisdiction to recover all amounts authorized under Health and Safety Code Section 13009 and Section 13009.1. Any amounts recovered shall be paid to the City Treasurer and credited to the Fire Department.