Authorities arrest man accused of starting Timp Fire in American Fork Canyon

Smoke swirls around Mount Timpanogos as the Timp Fire burns Friday morning. Photo: Utah Fire Info

AMERICAN FORK, Utah — A 46-year-old West Jordan man has been arrested on suspicion of arson in connection with the Timp Fire, a 2-acre wildfire that prompted closures and evacuations in American Fork Canyon earlier this month.

Conrad Jared Larsen was booked into the Utah County Jail on July 15 on suspicion of second-degree felony arson after investigators alleged he intentionally fed a fire that spread into nearby vegetation near the Timpooneke Campground, according to a probable cause affidavit filed in Utah County.

The Timp Fire was reported July 9 near Timpooneke Campground. The fire burned approximately 2 acres and prompted the evacuation of the campground and closures in the Timpooneke area and at Mutual Dell.

According to the affidavit, witnesses reported seeing a man matching Larsen’s description actively throwing sticks onto a fire outside an established fire pit. The fire allegedly consumed two bushes, and flames reached approximately 10 feet high while Larsen continued adding fuel. Witnesses also reported seeing Larsen in the area before and after the fire.

Investigators with the Utah County Sheriff’s Office said Forest Service personnel identified Larsen as a suspect based in part on prior fire-related incidents in the area. The affidavit states Larsen was previously convicted in connection with a 17-acre fire near Timpooneke in 2017, and investigators allege the current case would constitute a second arson offense within 10 years.

When deputies contacted Larsen, he was carrying a large log and had a lighter in his pocket, according to the affidavit. Investigators wrote that Larsen said he knew there had been “an incident” but did not know what had happened, and told deputies he likes to have campfires every night. Deputies also reported a strong odor of smoke coming from his vehicle.

Investigators estimated suppression costs and damages would exceed $5,000, meeting the threshold for the felony charge.

No injuries were reported in the fire.

An arrest and criminal charges are allegations only. Larsen is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.