Provo woman arrested in connection with several arson fires

SPRINGVILLE — A Provo woman has been arrested in connection with at least 12 fires that caused more than $1 million in damage in Utah County over the past four to five years.

Springville police and Utah County Sheriff's deputies received a tip about a 23-year-old woman believed to be involved with starting multiple fires. The most recent fires were set July 3 and July 20 of this year in the Provo and Springville area.

The 12 fires included four in Hobble Creek Canyon and five along the east bench in Provo, said Springville Police Lt. Dave Caron. One of the fires came dangerously close to residences.

Officials believe the woman used ground fireworks to start most of the fires. Investigators say a lighter was used to set one large fire in Hobble Creek Canyon about a year ago and another fire in Maple Canyon on that same day. Officials also believe the woman was involved in a fire set last year west of Utah Lake and another fire 2-4 years ago in the Rock Canyon area of Provo, Caron said.

Police don't believe the woman acted alone, however.

"We're trying to get information on a second person involved," Caron said.

Alexandra Howell was booked into Utah County Jail on 12 counts of arson.

Springville police and Utah County Sheriff's deputies are currently working with U.S. Forest Service officials to gather more information on the fires. Caron said police expect to release additional information on Wednesday.

— Lana Groves