August 9, 2023 4:20 p.m. 

Governor Tina Kotek has ordered that all flags at Oregon public institutions be flown and half-staff until sunset Thursday to honor Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest Service Firefighter Benjamin Charles Sapper, who passed away in the line of duty last Friday.

Kotek issued a statement regarding the tragedy: “The First Lady and I offer our condolences to the family of firefighter Benjamin Charles Sapper”. Kotek said, “I am grateful for Benjamin’s selflessness and service to our state. Our thoughts are with his family during this difficult time”.