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Utah man causes wildfire after attempting to burn spider

By NICK GARCIA Published Aug 03, 2022 4:53 pm

Since time immemorial, a better part of the internet has expressed its burning fear and hate for spiders, so much so that the supposed recourse is to kill the poor animal with fire.

But one ought not to literally play with fire when trying to commit arachnocide, as it can result in a wildfire, like the case of a man from Utah in the United States.

The Associated Press reported that Cory Allan Martin, 26, told authorities that he's out hiking in the foothills south of Salt Lake City near the city of Springville, when he supposedly spotted a spider.

That's when Martin got fired up and attempted to ignite the eight-legged creature with his lighter.

He, however, burned the surrounding bush in the process, and the fire began spreading "very rapidly," based on the affidavit obtained by local outlet KSL. Utah is experiencing extreme drought and is prone to wildfires.

Martin was subsequently arrested, and to add fuel to the fire, he has a jar of marijuana and drug paraphernalia in his belongings. Authorities, however, say he didn't appear to be high during the incident.

While there's no evidence suggesting he intentionally caused the wildfire, Martin is under investigation for reckless burning, as well as possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia, according to Utah County Jail records.

A retrospective Martin said he made a "reckless and puzzling decision."

Fire officials said the wildfire burned less than one square kilometer, and no homes had been damaged, according to AP.

As of 4:49 a.m. of Aug. 3, Manila time, the Utah Fire Info said 90% of the wildfire has been contained.

Martin's actions, meanwhile, came under fire from Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, who wrote three facepalm emojis in sharing KSL's report.

"Um, don’t do drugs kids (and don’t start spiders on fire during a drought)," Cox said.

TAGS: united states fire utah spider

About the author

NICK GARCIA

Nick writes about politics, law, health, entertainment, and pop culture, among others. Outside work, he's a wannabe musician and cook. Email him at [email protected].