Hurricane man charged with arson for allegedly starting 50-acre fire at Southern Utah park

LA VERKIN, Utah (ABC4) — A Hurricane man has been arrested and charged after allegedly starting a fire at a park in Southern Utah that cost more than $20,000 in damages and fire response.

Brad Lee Edward Bellmore, 28, has been charged with three counts of arson with property damage over $5,000, a second-degree felony.

According to court documents, around 5 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 17, officers from the Hurricane City Police Department, La Verkin Police Department and Washington County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched on reports of an arson at the historic Confluence Park in La Verkin.

Citizens reported that a fire had been started, causing black smoke. One citizen allegedly stated that he had seen a male stopping in three locations and starting fires, and that the arsonist was down in the canyon. He described the man as wearing red shorts, riding a bicycle, and carrying a black bag.

Another witness who was using binoculars reported seeing the man using what looked like a lighter to start the fires. The two witnesses said that they yelled at the man, and he rode away on his bicycle. One of the witnesses had managed to take a photo and shared it with officers.

Hurricane Valley Fire District, Bureau of Land Management Fire and Utah Department of Natural Resources Fire all responded to the growing fire at the park. Documents say that they were able to suppress the fire, but it still caused damage.

The Hurricane Valley Fire District reported that the fire grew to around 50 acres, and they were able to suppress the fire and halt its forward progress. Crews reportedly remained in the area to monitor the fire.

Around 10 p.m., after being unable to locate the suspect, law enforcement called in a helicopter to search the area. Around this time, a flashlight was observed by law enforcement in an area northwest of where the fire had started.

Shortly after this, a man called dispatch and explained that “he was lost in the area and that he needed his mother to come pick him up.” During the call, the Bellmore allegedly used a fake name and told dispatch, “Please do not send officers.”

Law enforcement located the man and rescued him from the area using the helicopter in the area. When they arrived, officers observed that he matched the description and photo they had received, but was wearing different pants. Bellmore was detained and brought to a police vehicle by helicopter.

Police took Bellmore to the Hurricane City Police Department, where he was interviewed by a police officer. During the interview, the officer showed Bellmore the photo taken by the witness. Bellmore allegedly admitted that he was in Confluence Park and near the flames during the incident.

Bellmore said that he heard the witnesses yelling at him and left. He stated that he ditched his bicycle by the river and changed after leaving the area, according to documents.

The Statewide Fire Trespass Coordinator/Fire Investigator reportedly estimated the damage and fire suppression costs to be more than $20,000.

Bellmore was booked into the Washington County Jail and is currently being held without bail.