San Juan County authorities have charged 68-year-old Scott Carrier with several misdemeanors related to the Deer Creek Fire, a blaze that scorched upwards of 17,724 acres and prompted evacuations. According to ABC4, Carrier, from Salt Lake City, could face consequences for reckless burning damage, abandoning a fire, and recklessly causing a catastrophe. These allegations come after the fire, which began on July 10 and was not contained until August 11, racked up an estimated $24 million in damages.
The San Juan County Sheriff’s Office has stated that the fire was human-caused, having identified two origin points on Carrier’s property near Old La Sal. As KUTV reports, investigators found a camp trailer containing a lighter, lighter fluid, and a gas can, alongside burnt paper towels outside that were believed to be linked to the fire’s ignition. In addition to the misdemeanors, Carrier is also charged with violating a fire restriction order in a closed area; these restrictions were established under the Stage 1 fire limitations, which were in effect at the time of the fire…