Minnesota § 609.5641 - WILDFIRE ARSON
Full text of Minnesota Minnesota Statutes § 609.5641 — WILDFIRE ARSON, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 609.5641. WILDFIRE ARSON
Subdivision 1.Setting wildfires.
A person who intentionally sets a fire to burn out of control on land of another containing timber, underbrush, grass, or other vegetative combustible material is guilty of a felony and may be sentenced as provided in subdivision 1a.
Subd. 1a.Penalty; felonies.
(a) Except as provided in paragraphs (b), (c), and (d), a person who violates subdivision 1 may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than five years or to payment of a fine of not more than $10,000, or both.
(b) A person who violates subdivision 1 where the fire threatens to damage or damages in excess of five buildings or dwellings, burns 500 acres or more, or damages crops in excess of $100,000, may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than ten years or to payment of a fine of not more than $15,000, or both.
(c) A person who violates subdivision 1 where the fire threatens to damage or damages in excess of 100 buildings or dwellings, burns 1,500 acres or more, or damages crops in excess of $250,000, may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than 20 years or to payment of a fine of not more than $25,000, or both.
(d) A person who violates subdivision 1 where the fire causes another person to suffer demonstrable bodily harm may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than ten years or to payment of a fine of $15,000, or both.
(e) For purposes of this section, a building or dwelling is threatened when there is a probability of damage to the building or dwelling requiring evacuation for safety of life.
Subd. 2.Possession of flammables to set wildfires.
A person is guilty of a gross misdemeanor who possesses a flammable, explosive, or incendiary device, substance, or material with intent to use the device, substance, or material to violate subdivision 1.
Subd. 3. Restitution.
In addition to the sentence otherwise authorized, the court may order a person who is convicted of violating this section to pay fire suppression costs, damages to the owner of the damaged land, costs associated with injuries sustained by a member of a municipal or volunteer fire department in the performance of the member's duties, and any other restitution costs allowed under section 611A.04.
History:
1990 c 478 s 2; 2013 c 139 s 1-3
Official Publication of the State of Minnesota
Revisor of Statutes
Frequently Asked Questions About Minnesota § 609.5641
What does Minnesota Statutes § 609.5641 cover?
Section 609.5641 ("WILDFIRE ARSON") is part of the Minnesota Statutes, the codified statutory law of Minnesota. 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 Minnesota § 609.5641?
A common citation format is "Minnesota Statutes § 609.5641" (Minnesota). 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 Minnesota law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Minnesota official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Minnesota attorney.
How does Minnesota § 609.5641 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Minnesota can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Minnesota.