Man Sparked 60-Acre Wildfire While Trying To Burn Spider Using Lighter: Cops

KEY POINTS

The fire that started Monday burned around 60 acres between Springville and Provo
The suspect was charged with reckless burn and possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia
The blaze was contained to around 90% as of Tuesday afternoon

Springville, Utah -- A 26-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly starting a wildfire that burned 60 acres of land in drought-stricken Utah. Police said the suspect sparked the wildfire while trying to burn a spider using a lighter.

The suspect, identified as Cory Allan Martin, said he spotted a spider while hiking near the city of Springville on Monday and attempted to burn it. However, Martin did not explain why he wanted to kill the spider.

Deputies found marijuana and drug paraphernalia in Martin's backpack, but he didn't appear to be high, Utah County Sheriff's Sgt. Spencer Cannon said, reported CBS News.

The fire that started at around 4.30 p.m. local time (6.30 p.m. ET) Monday spread quickly up the mountains. It destroyed 60 acres of land between Springville and Provo. Two helicopters were sent to the scene, including one to drop water on the blaze. Firefighters from multiple agencies worked together and successfully contained the fire to around 90% as of Tuesday afternoon, officials said.

#springvillefire Firefighters have updated containment to 90%. This incident will be turned over to a Type 4 incident command, at 4:00PM today. This will be a Type 2, I/A crew #41. @UWCNF #usfsst pic.twitter.com/ZX7Y4Ld0cU
— Utah Fire Info (@UtahWildfire) August 2, 2022

No structures were destroyed and no one was evacuated due to the blaze, The Salt Lake Tribune reported.

Martin started the wildfire after a "reckless and puzzling decision" and there was no evidence to suggest that he intentionally started the blaze, Cannon said.

"What led him to stop and notice a spider and decide to try to burn it, we don't know. There may not be a why. He might not even know a why," the officer added. "Not sure exactly why he felt the need to have to burn the spider, but you know, all the regret in the world doesn’t change the outcome based on whatever reason there was for him doing that."

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, while sharing the news of the blaze Tuesday, urged youngsters to refrain from drugs. "Um, don't do drugs kids (and don't start spiders on fire during a drought)," Cox tweeted.

Martin is taken to Utah County jail on nearly $2,000 bail. He faces charges of reckless burn and possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.