HOOD RIVER, Ore. — An Oregon judge has ordered a hefty restitution fine for the 15-year-old who started the Columbia Gorge wildfire last year.
The Oregonian reports Hood River County Judge John Olson released a written opinion Monday announcing a $36 million restitution sum.
The court awarded restitution on behalf of multiple agencies and individuals, the bulk of which is for the Oregon Department of Transportation and the U.S. Forest Service.
Judge Olson acknowledged that the teen cannot pay the sum in full.
State law says restitution payments may end early if the juvenile defendant completes probation, complies with the payment plan and avoids committing another offense for 10 years.