From gas cans to Gatorade: How the Fire Cache keeps firefighters going
Coeur d'Alene's Fire Cache houses everything from gas cans to Gatorade.
Photo courtesy of Robbie Johnson, PIO Idaho Dept. of Lands
North Idaho is home to its fair share of preppers but one agency in Coeur d’Alene has them all beat.
Housing everything from camping equipment and chain saws to gas cans and Gatorade, the Fire Cache provides firefighters with equipment and supplies to combat wildfires and other natural disasters. There are 15 Interagency Fire Caches across the country, and Coeur d'Alene is home to one of them.
As wildfire season continues, the Fire Cache is seeking additional help with maintaining its “robust” inventory through community involvement. The Fire Cache in Coeur d’Alene is looking to temporarily hire 20-30 people to help keep up with equipment demand.
“Knowledge of all aspects of fire support, including supply, is good for people to see and involve themselves in,” says Kalley Mahler, assistant cache manager. “This is rewarding work and provides a chance to support wildfire crews, a chance to be part of the greater firefighting efforts as wildfire impacts everyone. The public often asks how to donate or give back — this is a great way to do so.”
As crews return from wildfire incidents, the Fire Cache plays a vital role in refurbishing and resupplying equipment, so crews have what they need when the next fire call comes.
Even the smallest necessities don’t go unnoticed by the Fire Cache. Basic supplies like water and Gatorade are stocked and ready for firefighters. They've been especially important as the region has seen record-breaking heat in recent weeks.
Refurbishing goes beyond simple cleaning and repairs. According to Mahler, all items are also put through “invasive species mitigation,” which involves thorough sanitizing of all returned equipment. This step is critical to protecting Idaho’s widely varying ecosystems and is just one way the Fire Cache goes above and beyond with being prepared for just about anything.
The cache also holds items many may not realize are essential to firefighting efforts, including gas cans. “Gas cans are always in short supply across the country, so each cache tries to bring them back from incidents and get them refurbished so they are available not only in Idaho, but to all 15 Interagency Fire Caches across the country,” said Mahler.