'Do Not Use Fire To Kill Yellow Jackets,' Silverton Fire Says

SILVERTON, OR — Six fire agencies were required to quell a brush fire east of Silverton on Sunday that was reportedly caused by a landowner who was trying to destroy a yellow jacket nest with light fluid. The unidentified landowner was cited by the Oregon Department of Forestry.

The fire was reported in the 16000-block of Stormy Drive around 4 p.m. Sept. 23. This is the second large blaze caused by a landowner reportedly trying to kill yellow jackets. Fire officials recommend calling a licensed exterminator rather than trying to burn out yellow jacket nests.

The fire — which reportedly grew quickly, fueled by high grass, brush, and trees — threatened several structures. The fire's growth was also aided by high winds in the area Sunday afternoon, Silverton officials said.

Along with the citation, the landowner also received medical aid for smoke inhalation. Additionally, Silverton fire officials said the landowner will likely need to pay the cost of ODF's involvement.

This was apparently not the only land fire Silverton fire personnel reportedly faced on Sunday.

On Aug. 9, a West Linn-area landowner also torched roughly four acres while trying to destroy a yellow jacket nest with fire.

Fire officials remind the public that even though we've seen some rain and cooler temperatures return to the region recently, autumnal months still provide good conditions for fires to spread.

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Images via Silverton Fire District