Salem, OR – Pursuant to the United States Flag Code, Governor Tina Kotek ordered flags at Oregon public institutions to be flown at half-staff on September 22, 2026, in honor of fallen firefighter Jesús Eduardo Olimpo Gutiérrez Toral, who died at age 25 on September 9, while conducting firefighting operations on the Austin Fire in the Mount Hood National Forest.

Mr. Gutiérrez Toral worked as a tree faller (sawyer) and wildland firefighter in both Oregon and Washington. His family resides in Springfield, Oregon, and in Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, México.

“On behalf of all Oregonians, I extend my deepest condolences to Mr. Gutiérrez Toral’s family, loved ones, and colleagues,” Governor Kotek said. “Mr. Gutiérrez Toral gave his life in service of the communities he helped to protect. His courage and selflessness remind us of the extraordinary risks firefighters face so that others may be safe. We honor the empty place at the table that his passing leaves behind.”

The flag should be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on September 22, 2026.