Flags at state institutions are flying at half-staff Tuesday, Sept. 22, to honor firefighter Jesús Eduardo Olimpo Gutiérrez Toral, who died from injuries sustained while fighting the Austin Fire in the Mount Hood National Forest.

Gutiérrez Toral, 25, whose family lives in Springfield and in Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Mexico, worked as a tree faller (sawyer) and wildland firefighter in both Oregon and Washington.

He was injured while suppressing the fire and was taken to a hospital, where he died from his injuries.

Gov. Tina Kotek issued the flag order. 

“On behalf of all Oregonians, I extend my deepest condolences to Mr. Gutiérrez Toral’s family, loved ones, and colleagues,” Kotek said in a statement. “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.”

A funeral for Gutiérrez Toral was Friday, Sept. 18, at St. Alice Catholic Church in Springfield. The service included a funeral honor guard from the U.S. Forest Service.

The 12,882-acre Austin Fire was initially reported Aug. 9. As of Tuesday, it was 98% contained, according to Watch Duty. 

Flags are to remain at half-staff until sunset Tuesday.