Amherst fire chief backs off rescue reimbursement

AMHERST, Mass. (AP) -- No charges will be filed against three Hampshire College students who had to be rescued from the roof of a campus building by Amherst firefighters, and the town fire chief is backing off threats to send bills to the students for wasting department time and money.

A Hampshire spokeswoman says campus police decided against charging the unnamed students because they were not trespassing and cooperated with rescuers.

She tells The Daily Hampshire Gazette, however, that the two women and a man have been referred to school authorities for a disciplinary review.

Fire Chief Walter Nelson called the students "idiots" and said he would bill them for the $550 cost of Monday night's rescue.

He said Thursday that in the absence of court action, he will not pursue reimbursement.