Utah statute

Utah Code Ann. § 76-6-104.5 — Abandonment of a fire - Penalties.

Current through 2026 General Session

Part of Part 1: Property Destruction, Utah Code.

Criminal charges under this statute

Abandonment of a fire

Full text of Utah Code Ann. § 76-6-104.5

Statutory text current through the 2026 General Session. This publication reproduces the official statutory text; it is not the official statutes of the State of Utah.

Utah Code Ann. § 76-6-104.5Primary source, current through the 2026 General Session

(1) Terms defined in Sections 76-1-101.5 and 76-6-101 apply to this section. (2) An actor commits abandonment of a fire if, under circumstances not amounting to the offense of arson, aggravated arson, or causing a catastrophe, the actor leaves a fire: (2)(a) without first completely extinguishing it; and (2)(b) with the intent to not return to the fire. (3) A violation of Subsection (2): (3)(a) is a class C misdemeanor if there is no property damage; (3)(b) is a class B misdemeanor if property damage is less than $1,000 in value; and (3)(c) is a class A misdemeanor if property damage is or exceeds $1,000 in value. (4) An actor does not commit a violation of Subsection (2) if the actor leaves a fire to report an uncontrolled fire. (5) If a violation of Subsection (2) involves a wildland fire, the actor is also liable for suppression costs under Section 65A-3-4. (6) A fire spreading or reigniting is prima facie evidence that the actor did not completely extinguish the fire as required by Subsection (2)(a).

Official sources

Legal terms used in this section

Questions this section answers

Is abandonment of a fire a felony or a misdemeanor in Utah?

It depends on the circumstances: abandonment of a fire ranges from a Class C Misdemeanor to a Class A Misdemeanor in Utah under Utah Code Ann. § 76-6-104.5.

Abandonment of a fire - no property damage: Class C Misdemeanor (Utah Code Ann. § 76-6-104.5(3)(a)) · Abandonment of a fire - property damage under $1,000: Class B Misdemeanor (Utah Code Ann. § 76-6-104.5(3)(b)) · Abandonment of a fire - property damage $1,000 or more: Class A Misdemeanor (Utah Code Ann. § 76-6-104.5(3)(c))

Which Utah statute covers abandonment of a fire?

Abandonment of a fire is governed by Utah Code Ann. § 76-6-104.5 (Abandonment of a fire - Penalties).

This reference is informational and is not legal advice.