The Coeur d’Alene Interagency Fire Cache is dedicated to providing essential logistical support for wildland fire suppression efforts. Our mission is to ensure that all state and federal agencies have the necessary equipment and supplies to effectively combat wildfires and manage natural disasters. We strive to exceed expectations by maintaining a robust inventory and delivering top-notch service.
Location
Coeur d’Alene Interagency Fire Cache
3328 W. Industrial Loop
Coeur d’Alene, ID 83815
Contact
Fire Cache Office: (208) 666-8694
Fax Orders: (208) 769-1534
Email: firecache@idl.idaho.gov
Table of Contents
Photos of Fire Cache
Capabilities
The Fire Cache stocks and maintains a comprehensive inventory of supplies and equipment capable of outfitting 1,250 to 1,500 firefighters. As one of 14 National Caches, we are classified as a Type 2 National Cache and play a critical role in the National Interagency Support Cache (NISC) System.
What We Do
- Wildland Fire Support: Providing equipment and supplies for initial attack and extended attack fire operations.
- Disaster Response: Supporting local and regional efforts in response to natural disasters and large-scale projects like prescribed burns.
- Inventory Management: Maintaining nearly $10 million in stored assets, ensuring rapid deployment and restocking of critical supplies.
- Special Programs: Serving as a conduit for Idaho’s rural fire departments to access the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) wildfire program and supplies.
Services Provided
- Equipment Refurbishment: Ensuring all returned items meet the National Fire Equipment Storage & Refurbishing Standards.
- Pump Shop Services: Regular maintenance and repair to maximize performance and safety of firefighting equipment.
- Training Support: Although we do not maintain a library of training materials, we facilitate access to necessary resources through the Great Basin Cache.
Response Examples
The Coeur d’Alene Interagency Fire Cache has a proven track record of supporting a wide range of emergency and disaster response efforts, including:
- Wildfire Suppression: In 2021, the Cache supported 250 wildland fires, including 146 state fires under Idaho Department of Lands protection, 73 US Forest Service fires, and 31 fires in other states.
- Natural Disasters: We have provided critical logistical support during major natural disasters such as the North Idaho Floods of 1996 and the landslide on Highway 95 near Bonners Ferry.
- Hurricane Katrina: Our team contributed to the national response effort for Hurricane Katrina, demonstrating our capacity to assist in large-scale emergencies.
- COVID-19 Pandemic: During the COVID-19 pandemic, we stored and distributed over 180,000 doses of vaccines across the Idaho Panhandle, showcasing our adaptability and commitment to public health.