August 13, 2026 4;00 a.m.  

Pursuant to the United States Flag Code, on Wednesday Governor Tina Kotek ordered flags at Oregon public institutions to be flown at half-staff on Friday in honor of Jason Ensign, who died on August 6th, while conducting firefighting operations on the Wrights Spring Fire in Klamath Family.

Ensign was a contractor for the Green Diamond Resource Company operating a dozer to help fire crews construct fire lines when rapidly changing fire conditions overtook his equipment.

Governor Kotek said, “On behalf of all Oregonians, I extend my deepest condolences to Jason Ensign’s family, loved ones and colleagues”. Governor Kotek said in a statement on August 8th, “Mr Ensign’s passing is a tragic loss, and a stark reminder of the danger first responders bravely confront every day when protecting our communities”.

A release said the 2026 wildfire season has now tragically taken the lives of at least two Oregonians.

The flag should be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Friday.