Five People Arrested In Connection with Colorado Yellow Jacket Fire
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RIO BLANCO COUNTY, Colo. – The Rio Blanco County Sheriff’s Office arrested five people for allegedle starting the Yellow Jacket Fire that burned 35 acres northeast of Meeker, CO, this summer. According to the Sheriff's Office, the fire forced crews to divert resources from several much larger, active wildfires burning in the area. Consequently, the penalties these five suspects face are severe.
According to investigators, the Yellow Jacket Fire was human-caused. The case prompted a joint investigation by the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and Rio Blanco County Sheriff’s Office, which ultimately led to the arrests of:
- Zachary Williams, 29 – Charged with firing woods or prairie (Class 6 felony) and several federal counts, including entering a forest closure, possession of fireworks, and removing wood without a permit.
- Ashley Renae Trujillo, 38 – Charged with firing woods or prairie (Class 6 felony) and entering a forest closure.
- Jason Dwayne Ridgeway, 40 – Charged with firing woods or prairie (Class 6 felony) and multiple federal counts.
- Michael Lee Buhler, 52 – Charged with firing woods or prairie (Class 6 felony) and several federal counts, including entering a forest closure, removing wood without a permit, and violating fire restrictions.
- William Argul “Billy” Ekstrom Jr., 36 – Charged with firing woods or prairie (Class 6 felony) and multiple federal counts, including entering a forest closure and fire during restrictions.
Authorities say that while the fire was relatively small compared to the Lee, Elk, and Crosho fires, its timing created a significant strain on resources. “The investigation into the Yellow Jacket Fire was particularly critical, as it diverted air support and other assets away from those substantial fires, which presented additional public safety risks,” the sheriff’s office said.
What the Charges Mean
Colorado takes wildfire starts seriously, especially during high fire danger. The primary charge here, “firing woods or prairie,” is a Class 6 felony, which carries:
- 12 to 18 months in prison or probation
- Fines up to $100,000
- Mandatory restitution for firefighting costs. When air tankers, crews, and engines are mobilized, these can be substantial.
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The federal counts (entering a forest closure, fire during restrictions, removing wood without a permit, etc.) add additional penalties and fines. Past cases in Colorado have seen defendants ordered to pay back hundreds of thousands, even millions, in fire suppression costs.
For backcountry users, the moment is a good reminder: if your actions start a fire, you could be financially and legally liable for the full cost of putting it out.
For anyone recreating in the high country, the message is clear: know the fire restrictions, respect closures, and always play it safe with flames.
In a season where every tanker drop and every hand crew matters, a single careless spark can be the difference between a contained 35-acre blaze and a community-wide evacuation.
