Conrad Jared Larsen, 46, of West Jordan, faces one count of arson, a second-degree felony, after authorities say he was seen starting the fire near the Timpooneke Campground on July 9.

The fire burned approximately two acres and forced the temporary closure of campgrounds and Tibble Fork Reservoir.

The Utah County Sheriff’s Office said it was alerted Wednesday by the U.S. Forest Service that Larsen was a suspect. According to an affidavit, Larsen has an extensive history of starting fires in the Timpooneke Campground area, including a 17-acre fire in 2017 for which he was charged and convicted for.

On July 9, witnesses saw a male matching Larsen’s description throwing sticks on a fire.

“This fire was outside a firepit, consumed two bushes, and had flames approximately 10 feet high while Conrad was throwing more fuel on the fire,” the affidavit said. “Conrad was also seen in the area before and after the fire.”

Larsen was found holding a large log and had a lighter in his back pocket, and said he knew there had been an incident but did not know what had occurred, according to authorities.

“Conrad advised he likes to have campfires every night. Conrad also had a very strong odor of smoke coming from his vehicle,” the affidavit said.

The Forest Service said the fire’s damage will exceed $5,000.