CO State Order · Half-Staff
Flags at Half-Staff for Nathan Matthews
July 31, 2026
Governor Jared Polis of Colorado ordered flags to fly at half-staff to honor Nathan Matthews, a U.S. Wildland Fire Service firefighter who died from burn injuries sustained while responding to the Knowles Fire in western Colorado on June 27, 2026. Matthews, 43, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was one of five firefighters involved in a burnover incident where the fire rapidly overtook personnel, killing three other crew members at the scene. After weeks of medical care for his severe burns, Matthews passed away on July 24, 2026, representing the ultimate sacrifice of a dedicated public servant protecting his community.
Flag protocol
Flags will fly at half-staff as ordered by the Governor of Colorado.
Source: www.colorado.gov