AUGUSTA — Governor Janet Mills has directed that the United States and State of Maine flags be flown at half-staff statewide immediately through sunset Wednesday, Sept. 18 in honor of the Farmington firefighter who lost his life and those who were injured following the explosion at the Life Enrichment Advancing People or "LEAP" facility in Farmington. 

Governor Mills will issue an additional flag lowering directive upon the release of funeral arrangement details for the deceased.

Farmington is a strong, close-knit and resilient community, of which the Governor is proud to be a part, a press release noted. 

“This loss is devastating and felt by all of Maine”, said Governor Janet Mills. “My heart goes out to the loved ones of the firefighter lost and those injured. On this tragic day, I ask the people of Maine to join with me in offering our thoughts and prayers to the people of Franklin County and our deepest gratitude to our first responders.”

Governor Mills visited the site of the explosion earlier today, Sept. 16, and received a briefing from local and state officials.

She also visited the central operations center near the site as well as the Farmington Fire Department where she thanked the firefighters for their work and service to Maine.