Utah man causes wildfire after attempting to burn spider
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.
#springvillefire Firefighters have updated containment to 90%. This incident will be turned over to a Type 4 incident command, at 4:00PM today. This will be a Type 2, I/A crew #41. @UWCNF #usfsst pic.twitter.com/ZX7Y4Ld0cU
— Utah Fire Info (@UtahWildfire) August 2, 2022
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.
🤦♂️🤦♂️🤦♂️“He was also found to be in possession of drugs and paraphernalia, so he will be booked for those charges as well."
— Spencer Cox (@SpencerJCox) August 2, 2022
Um, don’t do drugs kids (and don’t start spiders on fire during a drought). https://t.co/dD4ekBQ1LA
