Teen charged for cost of mountain rescue

(AP) CONCORD, N.H. – New Hampshire plans to fine a Massachusetts teenager for the cost of rescuing him from Mount Washington in April.

A planned day hike turned into three nights alone in the woods for Scott Mason, a 17-year-old Eagle Scout from Halifax, Mass. He decided to take a shortcut after spraining his ankle, but that emergency route led him into rising water and deep snow caused by unseasonably warm weather.

New Hampshire law allows the Fish and Game Department to charge negligent hikers for the cost of rescuing them from the woods. Mason’s family confirmed that he has been fined, but had no other comment Friday.

When the law was tweaked last year, officials estimated that they could seek reimbursement in about 40 of the 140 rescues it typically handles each year.