(WBNG) — Flags across New York State will be flown at half-staff on Monday to honor a young firefighter who died.
Dariel Vasquez, 18, was killed when battling the Jennings Creek Wildfire in Orange County. He served as a New York State Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation Department aide.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Vasquez family as they mourn the sudden and tragic loss of Dariel,” Governor Kathy Hochul said. “Dariel was only 18 years old and had a truly bright future ahead of him that has now been unfairly taken away.”
Governor Hochul called Vasquez’s actions brave.
On Nov. 12, Governor Hochul issued a statewide burn ban due to dry conditions affecting much of New York State.
The ban is expected to be in place through Nov. 30.