Memorial Reception, Procession to Be Held in Hilo for Capt. Hughes

Brian Hughes, 33, captain of the Arrowhead Interagency Hotshots lost his life battling the Ferguson fire on the Sierra National Forest on Sunday, July 29, 2018. A memorial was held in Fresno, California, on Aug. 4, 2018.

Brian Hughes, captain of the Arrowhead Interagency Hotshots based in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, lost his life in an accident on the fireline on July 29. He was 33.

As Captain Hughes was originally from Hilo, a firefighter procession is planned in Hilo for Sunday, Aug. 12, 2018.

The family is hosting a memorial reception for Captain Hughes at the Hilo Yacht Club from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Close family and friends are invited to pay their respects, as well as emergency responders who participate in the procession.

Hilo procession information:

The procession meets at 10:30 a.m. at Bayfront Park by the King Kamehameha Statue. Personnel desiring to participate in the procession are asked to RSVP via the website.

The public is invited to view the procession which starts at 11 a.m. at the King Kamehameha Statue with a destination of the Hilo Yacht Club. A map is available on the website.

Website information:

An official memorial website has been established in honor of Captain Hughes. There, the public can learn about him, the procession, and where to send condolence letters or contributions. The site also includes a section for visitor-submitted memories and condolences.

As a mark of respect for the late firefighter, Gov. David Y. Ige has ordered that the United States flag and the State of Hawai‘i flag shall be flown at half-staff at all state offices and agencies, as well as the Hawai‘i National Guard, from sunrise to sunset on Friday, Aug. 10, and again from sunrise to sunset on Sunday, Aug. 12.

Hughes attended Hilo Union, Hilo Intermediate and Hilo High Schools. He is survived by his parents, sister and fiancée.