Oregon lowers flags to half-staff in memory of fallen wildland firefighter

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek issued a proclamation directing every state-run facility to fly flags at half-staff on Tuesday, honoring the memory of Jesús Eduardo Olimpo Gutiérrez Toral. The 25-year-old was injured on September 9 while fighting the Austin Fire, a human-caused wildfire in Clackamas County that has burned almost 13,000 acres and is now 98% contained. Gutiérrez Toral, who also worked as a sawyer, had relatives in Springfield, Oregon, and in Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Mexico.

In her statement, Kotek expressed deep condolences to his family, friends, and fellow firefighters, noting his selflessness and the empty seat left at the table. The half-staff order will be observed from sunrise to sunset across all Oregon public institutions on September 22. The gesture underscores the state's appreciation for the bravery of its fire crews amid an increasingly severe wildfire season.