The 71,000 acre Brian Head Fire was the result of a man trying to get rid of some pesky weeds reports the Salt Lake Tribune.
Related: ‘Man Made’ Wildfire Prompts Officials To Evacuate Utah Ski Area
The fire, which began on June 17th, quickly burned across a large portion of southwestern Utah and ultimately forced thousands of residents to leave their homes and businesses while firefighters rushed in to combat the blaze. According to dispatch notes, an unidentified man called to report a fire that was getting out of control on the same day the Brian Head Fire began.
Firefighters on the #BrianHeadFire initiating a successful burn out of approximately 700 acres near Little Creek Peak, to reduce fuels pic.twitter.com/sHTeDck8Gn
— Utah Fire Info (@UtahWildfire) July 4, 2017
Court documents allege that 61 year-old, Robert Ray Lyman started the out of control wildfire after trying to burn off weeds near his cabin. Lyman has since been charged with ‘reckless burning’ and failure to attain the proper permitting. Those charges include up to a year in jail and up to $3,500 in potential fines. The fire ultimately destroyed 13 homes and left state, federal , and local agencies footing a $34 million bill. Ouch.
Find the entire Salt Lake Tribune article here: Utah man, a former West High basketball coach, is charged with igniting 71,000-acre Brian Head Fire