(WBNG) — New York state flags will be flown at half-staff Monday to honor a young firefighter who died.

Dariel Vasquez, 18, was killed while fighting the Jennings Creek fire in Orange County. He served as an assistant to the New York City Department of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Vasquez family as they mourn the sudden and tragic loss of Dariel,” said Gov. Kathy Hochul. “Dariel was only 18 years old and had a really bright future ahead of him that has now been unfairly taken away.”

Governor Hochul called Vasquez’s actions brave.

On November 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 until November 30.

Copyright 2024 WBNG. All rights reserved.