Governor Tim Walz today ordered all United States and Minnesota flags to fly at half-staff at all state buildings in the State of Minnesota beginning immediately in honor and remembrance of Leslie R. Washington.

“Mr. Washington’s courage, bravery, and sacrifice in service to Minnesota and his country is admirable and unparalleled,” said Governor Walz. “Gwen and I extend our deepest gratitude to him and his crew members, and our deepest condolences to Mr. Washington’s friends, family, crew members, community, and all others who mourn his passing.”

Leslie R. Washington served this wildland fire season as a member of the K-River 2 crew, a Tribal firefighting crew, on assignment with SES Fire and the US Wildland Fire Service. On August 11, 2026, Mr. Washington died following a medical emergency while responding to the Bear Trap Fire near Ely, Minnesota.

Mr. Washington was from Noorvik, Alaska, and was a member of the Inupiaq people of the Northwest Arctic. Mr. Washington and his crew members traveled throughout rural Alaska to protect lives, property, and natural resources before coming to Minnesota to do the same. Mr. Washington displayed courage and dedication beyond measure, something also shared by all firefighters across the state and nation.

Individuals, businesses, and other organizations are encouraged to join in lowering their flags to honor Mr. Washington’s dedication and sacrifice.

The Governor’s proclamation reads:

WHEREAS: Leslie R. Washington, of Noorvik, Alaska, was a wildland firefighter with Scorched
Earth Services (SES), assigned to the company’s K-River 2 crew, a Tribal firefighting
crew on assignment with the US Wildland Fire Service; and

WHEREAS: Mr. Washington and his fellow crewmembers traveled from communities throughout
rural Alaska, including Huslia, Allakaket, Tanana, Ruby, Kaltag, Fairbanks, Fort Yukon,
Venetie, Ambler, Selawik, and Noorvik, to answer the call to protect lives, property, and
natural resources on wildland fire assignments nationwide; and

WHEREAS: Mr. Washington was a member of the Inupiaq People of the Northwest Arctic, and is
cherished by his family and by the village of Noorvik, Alaska; and

WHEREAS: On August 11, 2026, Leslie R. Washington died following a medical emergency while
responding to the Bear Trap Fire in Northeastern Minnesota; and

WHEREAS: On August 11, 2026, Leslie R. Washington died following a medical emergency while
responding to the Bear Trap Fire in Northeastern Minnesota; and

WHEREAS: The dedication of Mr. Washington, and of firefighters across Minnesota and the nation,
is immeasurable as they stand ready to answer the call to protect what we hold dear; and
With deep gratitude, the State of Minnesota recognizes Leslie R. Washington for his
dedicated service and sacrifice, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends,
colleagues, the community of Noorvik, Alaska, and the Inupiaq people of the Northwest
Arctic.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, TIM WALZ, Governor of Minnesota, do hereby order all United States flags and
Minnesota flags to be flown at half-staff at all state buildings in the State of Minnesota immediately in honor and
remembrance of Leslie R. Washington.