Flags to lower for fallen S. Oregon firefighter

Oregon Gov. John Kitzhaber on Thursday ordered all flags at public institutions to be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Saturday in honor of Matthew Goodnature of Phoenix, Oregon. The 21-year-old was off duty when he died in a fall near the Launch Fire at Fourmile Lake.

“Matthew Goodnature’s death is a reminder of the human toll that wildfires have,” Kitzhaber said. “He was a young man who was doing his part to help protectOregon’s natural resources.

“As Oregonians, we honor Matthew for his dedication to public safety, and for his sacrifice. My thoughts are with his family, friends and his colleagues who continue to risk their lives to fight fires.”

A memorial service will be held on Saturday in Phoenix.