An Oregon judge ruled Monday that a 15-year-old Washington state boy must pay nearly $37 million for starting a major wildfire in the scenic Columbia River Gorge this past September. The amount is meant to cover the costs of firefighting, repair and restoration to the gorge and damage to homes. Olson added that payments could be halted after 10 years as long as the teen complies, finishes probation and doesn't commit other crimes. The fire caused evacuations, an extended shutdown of a major interstate highway and devastation to a major outdoor tourist attraction. The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area attracts more than 3 million tourists a year and holds North America's largest concentration of waterfalls.

Source: Fox News May 22, 2018 02:15 UTC