STATE News:

Gov. Susana Martinez has ordered that all flags in New Mexico be flown at half-staff from sunrise July 2 to sundown July 5 in honor and mourning of the Granite Mountain Interagency Hotshot Crew Firefighters.

The thoughts and prayers of all New Mexicans go out to the families and friends of these fallen heroes and we honor them for their courageous service, she said.

EXECUTIVE ORDER 2013-026:

WHEREAS, nineteen members of the Granite Mountain Interagency Hotshot Crew, part of the Prescott Fire Department, lost their lives Sunday, June 30th, 2013, while battling the Yarnell Hill fire in Yavapai County, Arizona;

WHEREAS, these brave firefighters were part of an elite squad confronting wildfires on the front lines, setting up barriers to stop the spreading of destruction, and performing lifesaving actions;

WHEREAS, the Yarnell Hill fire continues to burn uncontrolled and thousands of acres have burned to date;

WHEREAS, a few weeks ago, members of the Granite Mountain Hotshots were here in New Mexico, battling to protect lives and property during the Thompson Ridge fire in Jemez, New Mexico;

WHEREAS, the Granite Mountain Hotshots were an integral part of the team that helped keep the Thompson Ridge fire in our state from growing larger and threatening New Mexicans;

WHEREAS, while their families and coworkers grieve this tragic loss, their deaths serve to remind us of the dangers of wildfire and the very real threat it poses to lives, homes and communities right here in New Mexico;

WHEREAS, nineteen members of the Granite Mountain Hotshots lost their lives battling the Yarnell Fire in Arizona on Sunday: Andrew Ashcraft, 29; Robert Caldwell, 23; Travis Carter, 31; Dustin Deford, 24; Christopher MacKenzie, 30; Eric Marsh, 43; Grant McKee, 21; Sean Misner, 26; Scott Norris, 28; Wade Parker, 22; John Percin, 24; Anthony Rose, 23; Jesse Steed, 36; Joe Thurston, 32; Travis Turbyfill, 27; William Warneke, 25; Clayton Whitted, 28; Kevin Woyjeck, 21; Garret Zuppiger, 27;

WHEREAS, we thank, honor, and remember these extraordinary individuals who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect and defend families against the threat of wildfires; and

WHEREAS, there are hundreds of men and women on the front lines, battling fires in New Mexico and throughout the United States, and each and every one of them honors the memory of their fallen brothers and sisters;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Susana Martinez, Governor of the State of New Mexico, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the Laws of the State of New Mexico, do hereby order that all flags be flown at half-staff from sunrise, July 2, 2013, to sundown July 5, 2013, in honor and mourning of the Granite Mountain Interagency Hotshot Crew Firefighters. The thoughts and prayers of all New Mexicans go out to the families and friends of these fallen heroes and we honor them for their courageous service.

SIGNED AT THE EXECUTIVE OFFICE THIS 1ST DAY OF JULY 2013.