INL Fire Department
The Idaho National Laboratory Fire Department (INLFD) is proud to serve and protect the lab’s workforce across an expansive area of 890 square miles. Operating 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, we deliver comprehensive all-hazard protection to residents and businesses, including the critical highways that traverse five eastern Idaho counties. Our department is strategically positioned with three fire stations throughout the site, ensuring rapid response to emergencies. With a dedicated team, the INLFD is privileged to be entrusted with the safety and welfare of our workforce and community. We take great pride in offering a wide range of services that safeguard life, property and the environment. Our commitment to integrity and accountability strengthens the trust we build with our team and the communities we serve. As we continue to support INL’s vision to change the world’s energy future and secure our nation’s critical infrastructure, the INLFD remains steadfast in its mission to protect those in our care.
We Are:
- 3 fire stations
- 87 sworn firefighters
- 3 Civilians
- Apparatus
- 5 engines
- 5 ambulances
- 1 rescue
- 1 hazardous materials truck
- 4 command trucks
- 1 water tender
- 5 wildland engines
Our Services:
- Advanced Life Support (ALS) emergency medical response and transport
- Structural fire suppression
- Wildland fire suppression
- Hazardous material (HazMat) response
- Radiological response
- Technical rescue
- Hazardous work stand-by support
- Drill and exercise support for all customers
- Employee and community fire safety education
- Contemporary training and development programs
Special Teams:
- Honor/color guard
- Peer fitness trainer
- Peer support team
- Subject matter experts
- Dozer boss
- Hazmat technician
- Radiation specialist
- SCBA technician
History
The Idaho National Laboratory Fire Department (INLFD) began as a U.S. Navy fire brigade in 1949 when the Atomic Energy Commission designated the Idaho site as the home of the National Reactor Testing Station (NRTS). The brigade became a full-time fire department in 1950 to protect the NRTS. Initially staffed with 31 personnel, the department operated from a wood frame duplex house with three attached garages at INL’s Central Facilities Area (CFA) until 1951.
The INLFD now includes three stations: a new station at CFA, one at the Materials and Fuels Complex (formerly Argonne National Laboratory – West) and another at Test Area North (TAN). Crews work 48-hour shifts followed by 96 hours off, and administrative staff officers work a 4×10 schedule. A critical minimum staffing of 22 personnel per shift is required across all three stations. The department is an all-hazards response organization, primarily for the site, but also responds outside its borders to support the surrounding communities.
Recruiting
INLFD is looking to hire dedicated individuals who want to join a team that serves not only a national laboratory conducting vital energy and national security research, but also our surrounding communities.
Our mission extends beyond emergency response. We are heavily involved in our communities, local schools and veterans’ organizations throughout eastern Idaho.
Working for one of 17 U.S. Department of Energy national laboratories allows us to be part of an organization that is working actively to change the world’s energy future while securing our nation’s critical infrastructure. The work you will be doing at INL helps make our nation safer, more secure, resilient, and prosperous. It plays a key role in ensuring opportunities for future generations.
We offer an opportunity to build a great career and serve a greater good. By joining the INLFD, you will help serve our nation and the world by protecting unique facilities and capabilities, as well as a workforce that consists of scientists, researchers, and support staff performing and enabling vital energy and security research.
Community Engagement
At INLFD, we are dedicated to fostering a safe and resilient community through proactive engagement, education, and collaboration. We believe that a well-informed and connected community is our strongest ally in preventing emergencies and enhancing public safety.
Education and awareness: We are committed to providing comprehensive fire safety education programs for all ages. Through school visits, fire safety workshops, employee safety seminars, and station tours, we work to empower our community with the knowledge and skills necessary to prevent fires and respond effectively in emergencies.
Community outreach: Building strong relationships with our customers is paramount. We regularly participate in safety fairs and other local events. We listen to your concerns, share safety information, and demonstrate our commitment to your well-being. Your feedback and involvement help us to better serve and protect you.
If you would like to schedule a fire department tour or educational event, please contact Deputy Chief of Operations, Jennifer Porter.
INLFD Mission, Vision & Values
Mission
Serving with honor and pride, we, the Idaho National Laboratory Fire Department, commit to delivering exceptional all-hazard prevention and response services by fostering a culture of safety, respect, and excellence while inspiring our community to thrive in a safe, protected environment.
Vision
To be a progressive, responsive and adaptive all-hazard fire department. We will achieve excellence in the delivery of services to meet the complex challenges of our community by providing best-in-class emergency response and matching the growth and innovation of our community and industry.
Values
Integrity – Conducting ourselves with honesty and transparency while maintaining safety, professionalism, and dependability.
Respect – Building a culture of compassion while enhancing trust and communication within the department and with our customers.
Leadership – Continuously learning to provide the highest level of service to our community by building leaders who show pride, ownership, and accountability at all levels.
Remembering the Fallen Firefighters from September 11, 2001
The Idaho National Laboratory Fire Department gathered for their annual ceremony to honor the firefighters who gave the ultimate sacrifice on Sept. 11, 2001. May we ALWAYS REMEMBER.
