Charge dropped against man accused of starting Utah wildfire

Charge dropped against man accused of starting Utah wildfire

PROVO, Utah (AP) — Prosecutors have canceled a jury trial scheduled for a man accused of starting one of the largest wildfires in Utah history. The Daily Herald reported the state dismissed a misdemeanor charge of burning during a closed fire season against 63-year-old Robert Ray Lyman. A misdemeanor reckless burn charge was previously dismissed with prejudice. Lyman pleaded not guilty to both charges. The fire that burned 112 square miles in Iron and Garfield counties destroyed 13 homes and caused more than $40 million in damage. Authorities say the Taylorsville resident was burning weeds near his cabin when the wildfire began.