Arson Charges Filed for School Bus Fires

Today, Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill announced charges against former Granite School District bus driver Michael Austin Ford in connection with two school bus fires.

An onboard video surveillance system recorded the first fire on February 24, 2022. The video shows smoke coming from under the bus dash, but Mr. Ford continued driving. Students reported the smell, and several can be seen in the video covering their faces and coughing. After that, Mr. Ford stops the bus and evacuates everyone. One minor reported having to be treated for smoke inhalation.

The second fire took place on April 7, 2023, and was also captured by an onboard surveillance video. In this video, Mr. Ford can be seen using a lighter to ignite the electrical components under the dash. Mr. Ford continued driving while looking down as smoke and visible flames were seen coming from under the dash.

Mr. Ford has been charged with 10 counts of first-degree felony aggravated arson and second-degree felony aggravated child abuse for the February 2022 fire. For the April 2023 fire, Mr. Ford has been charged with second-degree felony arson and second-degree felony obstructing justice.

“Mr. Ford endangered the lives of not only the children on the bus, but also the other drivers on the road. These charges reflect the severity of the risk that was created by Mr. Ford. We appreciate the work of our partners in law enforcement, the State Fire Marshal, and Granite School District for their thorough investigation,” said Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill. “All persons accused of wrongdoing are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.”