Why are flags half-staff? Oregon lowers flags to honor death of air tanker pilot

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Gov. Tina Kotek has ordered flags at all public buildings to be lowered half-staff in memory of the air tanker pilot who lost his life fighting an Oregon wildfire last week.

James Bailey Maxwell of Idaho went missing July 25 while flying a single-engine air tanker in the Malheur National Forest, where the Falls Fire continues to blacken 142,307 acres with only 69% containment.

Officials recovered Maxwell’s plane on Friday, July 26.

“I am deeply saddened by the tragic death of Mr. Maxwell while he fought the Falls Fire. On behalf of Oregon, I want to extend my condolences to Mr. Maxwell’s family, loved ones, and fellow firefighters,” Gov. Kotek said. “I would also like to thank the search and rescue team for their quick recovery efforts to bring Mr. Maxwell home.”

According to the Federal Aviation Administration, the single-engine Air Tractor 802A crashed around 11:30 p.m. Maxwell had been the only occupant at the time.

Last week, Gov. Kotek shared the following statement:

“Firefighters in the field look out for one another. When harm falls on one, it is felt by all,” she said. “I want to thank all those who were a part of the search efforts for the recovered SEAT, and everyone fighting fires right now. I have your back, and I will continue to deploy every available resource to aid you.”

The flags are set to be lowered through sunset on Thursday, Aug. 1.