facebook-pixel

Trial moved for man accused in massive 2017 Utah wildfire

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.

Support free news for Utah

sltrib.com is now free to access — no subscription required. We made this decision because we believe access to trustworthy, independent news shouldn’t depend on what you can afford — especially as misinformation and AI-generated content continue to rise.

Free to read doesn’t mean free to produce. Our reporters show up every day to ask hard questions and hold powerful institutions to account. That work takes resources. As a nonprofit newsroom, we rely on support from people who believe it matters. Make a donation today to fund local news that serves Utah communities.

You can help us bring more local news to more communities today.