Governor Kitzhaber today (Aug. 6) released the following statement on the death of Jesse Trader, a 19-year old who was working on the Big Windy fire in Southern Oregon:
“Jesse was part of the emergency response to one of the more serious fires burning in Oregon. Even at such a young age, he was already contributing mightily to his community, and we owe him our gratitude for his commitment to helping protect his fellow citizens. My prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time, and my thoughts are with all emergency responders on the front lines during this severe wildfire season.”