North Idaho Rappellers — U.S. Forest Service Helicopter Rappel Crew

The North Idaho Rappellers are an initial attack crew hosted by the Idaho Panhandle National Forests. As one of the U.S. Forest Service's helicopter rappel crews, we specialize in the aerial delivery of firefighters to remote wildfires inaccessible by ground forces, especially in the steep, timbered terrain of the northern Rockies. In addition to our primary responsibility as an IA resource, we are capable of performing the full range of logistical and aviation duties of a conventional helitack program.

Each summer, our crew and aircraft provide remote firefighting and logistical support to incidents both locally and for neighboring National Forests. The crew also pre-positions across the country for initial attack.

Based in Hayden, Idaho, our response area includes a diverse range of fuel types. On any given day, we could be digging line on a lightning start deep in the wilderness or supporting operations on a high-priority incident.