TOOELE COUNTY, Utah-Monday, a 19-year-old was charged with arson in Tooele County.
Branden Jensen Addis was charged in third district court in Tooele County with this second-degree felony after starting the 11.7 acre Sandbar Fire last week.
The fire started near Bauer which is eight miles southwest of Tooele.
Tooele County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to this area following reports of witnesses stating a green vehicle was in the area.
This passenger car occupied four people and as officers conducted a traffic stop, they determined all occupants of the vehicle were involved in the blaze.
Addis was among those interviewed per the probable cause statement.
Addis admitted he had intentionally started the blaze by using a black lighter that was found upon being taken into custody for questioning.
Addis told authorities he desired to start fires and had gathered dry weed material for this purpose.
He did this, per the probable cause statement, by igniting it and putting them in a hole with other dried weeds.
The police report also said Addis reported the fire swiftly got out of hand and requested the assistance of others to help put it out.
Damage caused by the blaze was estimated at $5,500.
