St. George, Utah • A Utah man charged with accidentally starting a massive wildfire last year won’t go on trial in a southern Utah county torched by the blaze.
The Spectrum newspaper reports a judge decided Tuesday that 62-year-old Robert Lyman couldn't get a fair trial in Iron County due to extensive media coverage and online rumors about the fire near Brian Head.
Prosecutors agree with a defense request to move the case.
The Taylorsville man could face up to a year in jail if convicted on a reckless burning count and six months on a burning without a permit charge.
The fire destroyed 13 homes and cost nearly $40 million to fight.
Authorities have said fire was started by weed burning at a cabin in a popular getaway for Las Vegas residents. The defense has disputed that.