Hurricane man arrested for allegedly starting Old Dump Fire

HURRICANE — A man was arrested on Aug. 19 for allegedly starting the Old Dump Fire, according to the Hurricane City Police Department.

According to the booking affidavit, the police department responded to the area of Confluence Park on reports of possible arson.

Police reported multiple calls about a fire that had started in the area. One call came in of a citizen who witnessed a man starting the fire.

Upon arrival, along with units from both the LaVerkin Police Department and Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Hurricane police made contact with the witness.

The witness described the suspect as being on a bicycle, wearing red shorts and a multi-colored tank top, according to the affidavit.

Police said the witness was able to provide them with a photograph of the suspect.

The affidavit stated that crews with the Hurricane Valley Fire, BLM Fire, and the Utah Department of Natural Resources Fire were able to put out the fire. However, police were unable to locate the suspect.

A short time later, the police department said dispatch received a call from a man who was lost in the area and needed his mom to pick him up. The caller was later identified as 28-year-old Brad-Lee Bellmore.

According to the affidavit, Bellmore told dispatch to “not send officers.”

Officers were able to locate Bellmore with the help of air support. Police said Bellmore was found wearing a multi-colored tank top, black sweatpants, and carrying a black backpack.

Police said Bellmore was detained and transported to the Hurricane City Police Department for interrogation.

While being interviewed, the police said Bellmore allegedly admitted to being in Confluence Park and changing his red shorts to the sweatpants.

Bellmore was placed under arrest for three counts of arson.