Man Torching Insect Nest Sparks OR Blaze

Sept. 24 -- A Silverton resident attempting to burn a yellow jacket nest with lighter fluid sparked a three-alarm fire that threatened another home and barn.

Firefighters from six agencies responded to contain the blaze in the 16000 block of Stormy Drive East Sunday afternoon.

Flames spread rapidly, fueled by high winds and dry conditions, and ignited high grass, brush and trees, said Ed Grambusch, Silverton's assistant fire chief.

The property owner who was attempting to kill the yellow jackets was treated at the scene for smoke inhalation. The property owner also was cited by the Oregon Department of Forestry for reckless burning and likely will have to pay for the cost of the fire response, Grambusch said.

Sunday's fire, reported about 4 p.m.,  marked the second brush fire within a quarter of a mile in the last several weeks resulting from a property owner trying to burn out yellow jackets, according to the assistant fire chief.

Residents are encouraged to call a licensed exterminator to remove yellow jacket nests rather than risk a fire from burning them out.

Mt. Angel Fire, Drakes Crossing Fire, Marion County Fire District #1, Woodburn Fire, Canby Fire and Oregon Department of Forestry assisted Silverton firefighters.

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