Utah man Cory Allan Martin, 26, was discovered at the site of the spreading fire on a mountain near the town of Springville, CNN reports.

Police said Mr Martin told them he had found a spider and was trying to burn it with a lighter when a nearby brush ignited instead.

In a statement, officers said: “He was placed in custody for the reckless burning and was placed in the back of the patrol vehicle. While searching Cory’s belongings, a jar of marijuana and paraphernalia was found.”

The fire ended up burning around 60 acres of land, fire officials said.