Special sentencing considerations for arson; other actions not prohibited

(1) In addition to any other penalty imposed, a person convicted of arson involving fire set to brush, grass, vegetation on the land resulting in damage to ten thousand square feet or more of property, may be required to: (a) Pay any costs associated with extinguishing the fire, which shall include, but are not limited to: (i) Personnel salary, benefits, and overtime; (ii) The operation, maintenance, and repair of apparatus, aircraft, and equipment; (iii) Supplies expended, damaged, or lost; and (iv) Rehabilitation supplies during firefighting operations; and (b) Perform community service work in the region in which the property damage occurred. With regard to any fine or monetary penalty that may be imposed on a minor convicted or adjudicated for an offense of arson, the parents or legal guardians of the minor shall be liable for the percentage of costs associated with extinguishing the fire based upon the apportionment of fire damage to real or personal property caused by the minor as a result of committing the offense of arson, regardless of whether the property is publicly or privately owned. (2) Nothing in this section shall prohibit a separate criminal action being brought by the State or a civil action being brought by the State or a third party for conduct that constitutes an offense of arson.