HURRICANE, Utah, Aug. 5, 2025 (Gephardt Daily) — A man has been arrested in connection with a human-caused brush fire that ignited Saturday afternoon inside Sand Hollow State Park, burning approximately 3.5 acres before being extinguished by fire crews.
According to Hurricane Valley Fire & Rescue, crews responded to the fire just before 3:30 p.m. The blaze, which produced a column of smoke visible FOR MILES, was fully contained with assistance from local, state and federal agencies. No injuries or structural damage were reported.
Utah State Park officials confirmed Sunday that Francisco Chavez was taken into custody in connection with the fire.
A park ranger’s report says Chavez was located near the fire scene riding an ATV that showed signs of fire damage. He allegedly admitted to being the operator of the ATV involved in the fire and stated he had left the scene.
The ranger noted signs of alcohol impairment, including slurred speech, red glossy eyes, and the smell of alcohol. Chavez failed multiple field sobriety tests and was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence. After refusing a chemical test at the Washington County Jail, a warrant was obtained and a blood sample was taken.
Officials have not yet released further details about how the fire began. The investigation is ongoing.
