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Memorial held for Nev. wildland firefighter who died in his sleep

Ian Howard died Aug. 21 while stationed overnight on a standby call

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Ian Howard and his family.

Photo/ Los Plumas Forest Service

By FireRescue1 Staff

QUINCY, Calif. — A memorial for a fallen wildland firefighter took place Monday after he was found dead last week.

Ian Howard, 36, was a fire engine operator for the U.S. Forest Service, and was discovered deceased after spending a night in Corning, California while on call, reported USFA. He served on the U.S. Forest Service for eight seasons.

“He was respected as a mentor of younger firefighters,” Jeremy Croft, assistant public affairs officer for Plumas Forest told RGJ. “He was a career firefighter so he very much loved what he did.”

While Howard and the crew were not assigned to a specific fire, they were positioned to provide assistance if needed.

The cause of death has yet to be released.

Howard is survived by his wife and two children.

A memorial fund was created for Howard’s children’s college tuition.