Oregon flags to fly at half-staff Friday to honor man killed fighting Wright Springs Fire

OREGON (KTVZ) -- Today, Gov. Tina Kotek ordered flags at Oregon public institutions to be flown at half-staff on Aug. 14, in honor of contractor Jason Ensign, who died on Aug. 6, 2026, while working on the Wrights Spring Fire in Klamath County. Ensign, 47, was operating a bulldozer to construct containment lines when severe fire conditions trapped his equipment.

Ensign was employed by Green Diamond Resource Company, a timber company headquartered in Washington state that manages forestland in southern Oregon. His death marks at least the second casualty during Oregon's 2026 wildfire season.

Fire crews discovered that Ensign's bulldozer was missing around 4:30 p.m. on Aug. 6, 2026. After fire conditions subsided, searchers used cellphone data and witness statements to pinpoint his position near Yahwee Plateau. Personnel from the Klamath County Sheriff's Office and the Oregon Department of Forestry located the extensively damaged bulldozer late that night, finding Ensign deceased inside the cab.

Klamath County Sheriff Shane Mitchell praised Ensign's dedicated effort to aid firefighting crews.

“This is a heartbreaking loss,” Mitchell said. “Behind every helmet, every engine and every piece of heavy equipment is a person who went to work expecting to come home. Jason was doing dangerous work in an effort to help protect others and support the firefighting operation. Our thoughts are with Jason's family, friends, co-workers and everyone who worked alongside him during this incident.”

Mitchell also advised the public regarding hazards near fire lines, adding, “Stay informed. Stay prepared. Stay out of active fire areas and give emergency personnel the space they need to do their jobs safely.”

Oregon Gov. Kotek offered her sympathies to Ensign's loved ones and colleagues.

“On behalf of all Oregonians, I extend my deepest condolences to 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.”

Oregon's federal lawmakers also shared tributes following the accident.

U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden noted the ongoing fire hazard across the state, stating, “The ongoing threat from wildfires throughout Oregon became all too deadly once again today with the tragic loss of dozer operator Ensign working the Wrights Spring Fire in Klamath County. My deepest condolences to his family and friends.”

U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley emphasized the risks faced by emergency responders, stating, “This is tragic news and my thoughts are with Ensign's loved ones, friends and fellow firefighters in the wake of this great loss. So many firefighters are working in dangerous conditions to keep our communities safe. In any way we can, let's show them our appreciation.”

The Wrights Spring Fire is burning in the Fremont-Winema National Forest, situated south of Sprague River Highway and east of Chiloquin. So far it has zero containment. Evacuation orders were issued for areas along both sides of Sprague River Road east of Chiloquin, as well as the community of Sprague River. Kotek invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act on Aug. 7, 2026, enabling the Oregon State Fire Marshal to mobilize the Green Incident Management Team and six structural firefighter task forces, including two units prepositioned in Douglas County.

Flags at all public institutions across Oregon will fly at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Aug. 14.