SPARKS, Nevada – August 25, 2016 – It is with great sadness that the U.S. Forest Service mourns the passing of firefighter Ian Howard. Crew members on Engine 16 from the Plumas National Forest discovered their friend and colleague's passing last Sunday morning. The cause of death is unknown at this time. The crew was prepositioned for firefighting at the Paskenta Work Center on the Mendocino National Forest and were staying overnight in Corning, CA. At the time of Ian’s passing, his engine was not assigned to an active wildfire incident.
Ian was a fire engine operator assigned to Engine 16 from the Beckwourth Ranger District of the Plumas National Forest. He was a respected and dedicated employee and his passing is a big loss, not only for the Plumas National Forest, but also for the Forest Service. In Ian's time as an employee with the Forest Service, his contributions were that of a selfless public servant. He will be greatly missed.
Please keep the Howard family, Engine 16’s crew, his coworkers and friends in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Condolences for the family can be sent to: Beckwourth Ranger District, P.O. Box 7, Blairsden, CA 96103.
Ian’s body will be flown via Forest Service aircraft to Reno-Stead Airport on Friday, August 26, and escorted to a funeral home by his Plumas National Forest crewmates and other fire, law enforcement, and first responder vehicles. Media agencies are invited to collect imagery and interview a Forest Service spokesperson at this event, beginning at 10:00 AM at the front entrance of Reno-Stead Airport. Please RSVP to the contact information above by 8:00 AM on Friday. Reno-Stead Airport is located at 4895 Texas Ave, Reno, NV 89506.
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