PRESS RELEASE
RBC | On Aug. 15, 2025, Rio Blanco County deputies responded to a wildfire in the Yellow Jacket area northeast of Meeker. Rio Blanco County Deputies began an investigation and were able to preserve evidence while there was active fire with firefighters and air support actively engaging the fire.
Rio Blanco County Deputies found evidence indicating the fire was likely human-caused. An in-depth multi-agency investigation was launched, including personnel from the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and the Rio Blanco County Sheriff’s Office.
As a result of that investigation, deputies along with the support of the Meeker Police Department and the U.S. Forest Service arrested the following individuals on Sept. 22, 2025:
• Zachary Williams – DOB 12/23/1995
Charged with: CRS § 18-13-109(2)(a), Firing woods or prairie (Class 6 felony), and several federal charges to include: Entering a Forest Closure, Possession of Fireworks, and removing wood without a permit.
• Ashley Renae Trujillo – DOB 10/14/1986
Charged with: CRS § 18-13-109(2)(a), Firing woods or prairie (Class 6 felony), and several federal charges to include Entering a Forest Closure.
• Jason Dwayne Ridgeway – DOB 09/18/1985
Charged with: CRS § 18-13-109(2)(a), Firing woods or prairie (Class 6 felony), and several federal charges.
• Michael Lee Buhler – DOB 10/18/1972
Charged with: CRS § 18-13-109(2)(a), Firing woods or prairie (Class 6 felony), and several federal charge to include: Entering a Forest Closure, removing wood without a permit and fire during restrictions.
• William Argul Ekstrom JR (Billy)- DOB 09-27-1988
Charged with: CRS § 18-13-109(2)(a), Firing woods or prairie (Class 6 felony) and several federal charge to include: Entering a Forest Closure, removing wood without a permit and fire during restrictions.
All five suspects have been taken into custody and/or transported to jail. At this time, these individuals are alleged suspects and are presumed innocent until proven guilty.