Flags in Minnesota to fly at half-staff for firefighter who died while fighting wildfires

Gov. Tim Walz has ordered all U.S. and Minnesota flags to fly at half-staff at all state buildings in remembrance of Leslie R. Washington.

Washington was serving as a member of the K-River 2 crew, a tribal firefighting team assigned to help fight wildfires in Minnesota. While responding to the Bear Trap Fire near Ely on Aug. 11, Washington suffered a medical emergency and was later pronounced dead.

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“Mr. Washington’s courage, bravery, and sacrifice in service to Minnesota and his country is admira...