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.
Contact
Fire Cache Office: (208) 666-8694
Fax Orders: (208) 769-1534
Email: firecache@idl.idaho.gov
Location
Coeur d’Alene Interagency Fire Cache
3328 W. Industrial Loop
Coeur d’Alene, ID 83815
Catalog and Ordering
2024 Supply Catalog, Coeur d’Alene Interagency Fire Cache
2024 Wildland Fire Equipment Catalog, Defense Logistics Agency
Supply Order Form DL-460 – Routine supply order for Area Offices, Fire Departments, and non-incident purchases (Download form to use)
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 Incident Management Teams, 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 $15 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
- Maintain Fire Trucks: Building and maintaining the department’s Type 5 wildland fire trucks.
- Fleet Services: Servicing the department’s fleet, assisting in inspections, and can support minor equipment repairs from other agencies.
- CDL Licensed Drivers: CDL licensed employees drive semi-trailers to fire incidents.
- 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. Refurbish all Mark 3 pumps, chainsaws, and just about anything with a pull cord.
- 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.
Federal Excess Property Programs
The federal government allows states the opportunity to access excess property which can be used for both wildland and structure firefighting. In Idaho, administration and oversight of this opportunity is the responsibility of the Idaho Department of Lands Fire Management Bureau. Federal excess property for firefighting items may be received through two programs:
- Federal Excess Personal Property (FEPP) Program: Refers to U. S. Forest Service (USFS) owned property that is on loan to State Foresters for the purpose of wildland and rural firefighting. Most of this property was originally owned by the Department of Defense or other federal agencies but became excess to their needs. The property is transferred to USFS when requested by a state. Ownership of FEPP property remains with USFS.
- Firefighter Property (FFP) Program: Refers to items obtained from the Defense Logistics Agency Disposition Services for use in fire and emergency services by a state agency and their cooperators. Ownership may pass to the user after program requirements are met.
The FEPP program began in the 1950s and was the only way states could acquire federal excess property for fire service until 2005 when the FFP program was established. Both programs authorize the USFS to manage the transfer of items to Idaho through Memorandum of Agreements. Strict program controls are in place to ensure proper accounting, inventory, and use of items in both programs.
Find more information about the Federal Excess Personal Property Program & Firefighter Property Program on the US Forest Service website.