Oregon Flags Lowered Aug. 14 in Honor of Jason Ensign
Oregon governor orders flags to half-staff for Klamath Falls dozer operator killed on Wrights Spring Fire; memorial service planned Saturday
KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. — Flags at Oregon public institutions will be lowered to half-staff Friday, Aug. 14, in honor of Jason Ensign, the Klamath Falls dozer operator who died while working on the Wrights Spring Fire.
Governor Tina Kotek ordered flags lowered from sunrise to sunset in recognition of Ensign, 47, who died Aug. 6 while conducting firefighting operations in Klamath County.
Ensign was a contractor with Green Diamond Resource Company and was operating a dozer to help firefighters construct fire lines when rapidly changing fire conditions overtook his equipment.
“On behalf of all Oregonians, I extend my deepest condolences to Jason Ensign’s family, loved ones, and colleagues,” Kotek said. “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.”
Jefferson Daily News previously reported that Ensign was working near the Yahwee Plateau when rapidly changing fire conditions cut off his escape while he was operating a Caterpillar D-6 dozer.
His death came during a period of rapid growth on the Wrights Spring Fire, which prompted evacuations, a state conflagration response, and the deployment of hundreds of firefighters and other emergency personnel across Klamath County.
A public memorial service for Ensign is scheduled for Saturday at 11 a.m. at Henley High School in Klamath Falls. The service will be recognized as a line-of-duty death memorial and will be preceded by a procession leading to the school.
Kotek said at least two Oregonians have lost their lives during the 2026 wildfire season.
The governor’s order applies to flags at Oregon public institutions.
Flags should remain at half-staff from sunrise until sunset Friday, Aug. 14.
Cover Image: file photo
Keep Reading
