Governor Spencer J. Cox ordered the flags of the United States and the state of Utah to be lowered to half-staff at all state facilities. The order honors firefighter pilots Chris Andersen and Miles Elliott, who died in the line of duty while battling the Widemouth 2 Fire in Utah.
The flags were ordered to be lowered beginning Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026. They were to remain at half-staff until sunset on the day of the last interment. Gov. Cox stated that Andersen and Elliott dedicated their lives to serving others and made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting the state.
Gov. Cox noted that Utah mourns with the families and loved ones of the pilots and honors the two men who came to the state's aid. The Governor's Office planned to issue an additional notice regarding when flags could be returned to full-staff.
Gov. Cox invited private citizens, businesses, and other organizations to join the recognition by lowering their flags as well.
