Why Colorado Flags Were Lowered
In honor of Firefighters Emily Barker, Nick Hutcherson, and Sydney Watson.
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
DENVER - Today, Governor Polis announced that all flags on state buildings will fly at half-staff on the memorials of three heroes: Emily Barker, Nick Hutcherson, and Sydney Watson, U.S. Wildland Fire Service wildland firefighters who died responding to the Snyder Mesa Fire burning in Mesa County. This fire is currently estimated to be over 28,000 acres. More details will follow once memorial dates are selected The US Department of the Interior released the names of the fallen earlier this morning. Emily Barker, 38, of Clinton Township, Michigan, was assigned to the U.S. Forest Service Rifle Helitack. Nick Hutcherson, 27, of Glendale, Arizona, was assigned to the U.S. Forest Service Kaibab National Forest. Sydney Watson, 26, of Warrior, Alabama, was assigned to the U.S. Wildland Fire Service Rifle Helitack. “Firefighters face incredible risk and put their lives on the line to respond to wildfires, keep Coloradans safe, and protect our communities. I was devastated to hear that Emily Barker, Nick Hutcherson, and Sydney Watson made the ultimate sacrifice to protect us. I and every Coloradan are deeply grateful for their bravery and service and my thoughts are with their families, friends and fellow crew members. I have ordered flags to fly at half-staff on the days of each of their memorials once selected to honor their sacrifice,” said Governor Polis. On Saturday, Governor Polis verbally declared a disaster emergency in response to the Snyder Mesa Fire in Mesa County and authorized the National Guard to support efforts to recover the three firefighters who gave their lives in response to the Snyder Mesa Fire. The Governor also released a statement outlining the state's coordination with the U.S. Wildland Fire Service to rescue and evacuate two injured firefighters hurt in the line of duty with one of the Division of Fire Prevention and Control’s Bell 205 helicopters.
The linked government page remains the authoritative version.
Colorado Half-Staff Order Questions
Is the Honoring Firefighters Emily Barker, Nick Hutcherson, and Sydney Watson order still active?
This record is marked ended. Its stored effective period begins July 1, 2026 and ends July 3, 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.