A. It is unlawful for any person to carelessly or willfully burn or cause to be burned or to set fire to or cause any fire to be set to any forest, grass, crops, rangeland, or other wild lands not owned by, duly authorized by the owner or manager, or in the lawful possession of, the person setting the fire or burning the lands or causing the fire to be burned.

B. Any person who carelessly violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00), by imprisonment for not more than one (1) year, or both. Any person who willfully violates this section is guilty of a felony punishable by a fine of not more than Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00), by imprisonment for not more than three (3) years, or by both.

C. Any person who carelessly or willfully burns, causes to be burned, sets fire, or causes fire to be set, any forest, grass, croplands, or woodlands not owned by, duly authorized by the owner or manager, or in lawful possession of, shall be liable in a civil action to any person injured or damaged by a fire to the amount of the injury or damages.