Why Colorado Flags Were Lowered
In honor of Firefighter Nathan Matthews.
When the Colorado Half-Staff Order Began and Ended
Use the exact end boundary above. A flag may return to full-staff at sunset, noon, a stated clock time, or another named event. If the end is not confirmed, open the source before acting.
Where the Colorado Half-Staff Order Applied
Facilities and locations specified in the official notice
- Facilities
- State
- U.S. flag
- Affected
- State flag
- Not stated
- Private display
- Not stated
What This Half-Staff Order Means for Flag Owners
Follow the Locations Named in This Order
An order can cover federal property, all state facilities, one building, or another named place. Do not expand a limited order beyond the stored scope.
Return Flags to Full-Staff at the Stated Time
Use the end date and boundary above. Before raising the flag, confirm that a newer federal or state half-staff order has not taken effect.
Check for a Newer Half-Staff Order
This detail page preserves one directive. It does not make an old order current, so use today’s status page for the latest operational answer.
Official Source and Evidence for This Half-Staff Order
Colorado will lower flags on Friday, July 31 on the day of the formal procession through Colorado for the fallen firefighter, and Nebraska will follow by lowering flags Saturday, August 1, on the day of the memorial DENVER - Today, Governor Polis ordered flags to fly at half-staff from sunrise to sunset Friday, July 31, 2026 to honor the life, bravery, and sacrifice of the U.S. Wildland Fire Service Firefighter who died from injuries that occurred while responding to the Knowles Fire in Mesa County. Nathan Matthews, who passed away from injuries received responding to the Knowles Fire, which later became the Snyder Fire. Matthews was involved in the burnover event that resulted in the loss of Emily Barker, Nick Hutcherson, and Sydney Watson. Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen is ordering that flags fly at half staff on the day of Matthews’ memorial, Saturday August 1, 2026. The procession in honor of Matthews will begin Friday, July 31 at 7:30 a.m. MT. The procession will be along U.S. 6 and I-70 corridor, beginning at the Denver Federal Center and ending at the Grand Junction Air Center. Coloradans are encouraged to safely view the procession from areas adjacent to the road and overpasses. “My thoughts are with Nathan's family during this difficult time. Our firefighters and first responders put their lives on the line every day to protect our communities, and keep people safe. Nathan's heroism will not be forgotten and we are forever in awe of Nathan's unwavering bravery and sacrifice,” said Governor Polis. Source: https://click.governor.colorado.gov/?qs=ABB7InYiOjEsImQiOjQ5NTN9AA0AAAAAANB0TIIwUzCV-UKZi_Tu9id-FQ3TDk8I3NJkzeOCfLTTasR9M2lQPbKPYGks4f7USVXd5rn0NMfC7t8iEbl4oMQB9KCtcQDQc53K3GfX
The linked government page remains the authoritative version.
Colorado Half-Staff Order Questions
Is the Honoring Firefighter Nathan Matthews order still active?
This record is marked ongoing. Its stored effective period begins July 31, 2026 and ends August 1, 2026. Check the current status page before changing a flag.
Does this Colorado half-staff order apply to homes and businesses?
Only if the notice says so. Government orders usually direct named public facilities and may separately invite private citizens, businesses, and organizations to participate. Check “Private display” in the scope above and read the source when it is not stated.
Which flags and locations did this order cover?
Use the scope cards above. They separate the facility type, geographic area, U.S. flag, state flag, and private-display guidance retained from the notice.
Where can I verify this half-staff order?
Use the official-source link on this page. The government notice remains authoritative if it differs from this normalized record.