Connecticut § 23-42 - Liability of railroads for damages caused by sparks.
Full text of Connecticut Connecticut General Statutes § 23-42 — Liability of railroads for damages caused by sparks., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 23-42. Liability of railroads for damages caused by sparks.
Sec. 23-42. Liability of railroads for damages caused by sparks. Any railroad company which, through act of its employees or agents, by sparks from its locomotives or otherwise, sets fire to trees, brush or grass on lands outside the right-of-way of such company, shall be liable to the state for the lawful expenses incurred by the State Forest Fire Warden in extinguishing such fire. The bill for any such fire shall be submitted by the warden or fire chief in charge to the State Forest Fire Warden. If approved by the State Forest Fire Warden, it shall be ordered paid by the State Comptroller. A statement of all such bills paid by the state during the previous six months shall be submitted on or before the tenth day of December and the tenth day of June in each year by the State Forest Fire Warden to the railroad company liable under the provisions of this section. Such statement shall be accompanied by copies of all bills on which the claim is based and shall be paid by such railroad company to the State Treasurer. Each section foreperson employed by a railroad company, upon the discovery of any fire in the section under the jurisdiction of the foreperson, for which such company is liable under the provisions of this section, shall summon necessary assistance, proceed to the fire and extinguish it, and shall give such assistance to state forest fire control personnel as may, from time to time, be requested by such personnel.
(1949 Rev., S. 3483; 1949, S. 1883d; P.A. 01-150, S. 12.)
History: P.A. 01-150 made technical changes including changes for purposes of gender neutrality.
See Sec. 13b-360 et seq. re fires caused by railway engines.
Source: official Connecticut text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Connecticut § 23-42
What does Connecticut General Statutes § 23-42 cover?
Section 23-42 ("Liability of railroads for damages caused by sparks.") is part of the Connecticut General Statutes, the codified statutory law of Connecticut. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Connecticut § 23-42?
A common citation format is "Connecticut General Statutes § 23-42" (Connecticut). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Connecticut law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Connecticut official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Connecticut attorney.
How does Connecticut § 23-42 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Connecticut can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
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