Estimated read time: Less than a minute
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
SALT LAKE CITY — All United States and Utah state flags on state property will be lowered Friday in honor of the 19 Arizona Hotshot firefighters who died in action over the weekend.
Gov. Gary Herbert directed all state facilities to fly flags at half-staff from sunrise to sunset.
The fallen firefighters included Joe Thurston of Cedar City.
"May we remember these great men with deep respect and honor," Herbert said. "During this difficult time of bereavement, our thoughts and prayers are with residents of Arizona and, particularly, with the families and loved ones of the fallen firefighters. I hope they find comfort and peace beyond what mere words are able to provide."
The firefighters were killed while battling a lightning-caused wildfire in central Arizona. They were members of a Hotshot crew, specially trained to fight wildfires.
As of Wednesday, the fire has burned 8,400 acres and was 8 percent contained, according to the Incident Information System.
