DENVER ~ In the wake of the tragic death of Nicholas Dale, a frontline federal contracted Fire Aviation Pilot from Sooke, British Columbia, Governor Polis has announced that flags will fly at half-staff on the day of his memorial.

The Gold Mountain Fire in Ouray County, where Dale was assigned, has burned 36,259 acres and is currently 11% contained. The fire has also resulted in mandatory evacuations for 175 people.

Governor Polis expressed his devastation upon hearing the news of Dale's passing and extended his condolences to the pilot's friends, family, and colleagues. He also acknowledged the bravery and sacrifice of all firefighters and pilots who are working tirelessly to protect communities across the state.

The State is committed to supporting these frontline heroes and their families through its Behavioral Health Administration (BHA). BHA offers a range of mental health services for all Coloradans affected by wildfires, including Colorado LIFTS which connects individuals with a network of over 250 mental health, substance use, crisis support, and care navigation services. Additionally, there is the 988 Colorado Mental Health Line and I Matter program which provides free and confidential counseling sessions for youth under 18 years old.

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Governor Polis emphasized that once a date is selected for Dale's memorial, state flags will be ordered to fly at half-staff as a tribute to his bravery and sacrifice. The State also stands ready to support any investigation into this tragic incident.

The loss of Nicholas Dale serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by firefighters on the frontlines every day. The State of Colorado remains grateful for their selfless service and is committed to providing them with the necessary support during these challenging times.

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