Idaho Firefighters Gunned Down in Deadly Sniper Ambush, 2 Dead, Many Injured | WATCH
Two firefighters killed in an Idaho ambush after being lured to a wildfire. Officials say it was a calculated sniper attack, the community is reeling.
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Yesterday, a deliberate ambush targeting firefighters responding to a brush fire on Canfield Mountain in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, left two firefighters dead and one injured. The suspected gunman was later found deceased, and authorities are investigating the motive behind this calculated attack.
Timeline and Incident Details
Initial Response:
At approximately 1:21 p.m. PDT, firefighters from the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department, Kootenai County Fire and Rescue, and Northern Lakes Fire District were dispatched to a reported half-acre brush fire near East Nettleton Gulch Road on Canfield Mountain, a 24-acre natural area popular for hiking and biking.
Ambush:
Around 2:00 p.m., firefighters reported being shot at by a sniper, with gunfire described as coming from multiple directions. Authorities suspect the fire was intentionally set to lure first responders into a trap. Kootenai County Sheriff Robert Norris confirmed the fire was likely a “bait” to draw firefighters to the scene.
Casualties:
Two firefighters—one from Coeur d’Alene Fire Department and one from Kootenai County Fire and Rescue—were fatally shot. A third firefighter from Coeur d’Alene was wounded, underwent surgery, and was reported in stable condition at Kootenai Health Hospital. Three individuals were transported to the hospital; two were dead on arrival, and one received treatment for gunshot wounds.
Suspect Neutralized: By 7:45 p.m., a SWAT team located a deceased male on Canfield Mountain with a firearm nearby, believed to be the lone shooter. Early concerns about multiple shooters were dismissed after Sheriff Norris stated the gunfire patterns were consistent with one individual using “modern-day, high-powered sporting rifles.” The suspect’s identity and cause of death were not released, pending a 9:30 p.m. press conference.
Fire Status: The wildfire, which grew to approximately 20 acres, remained active as firefighting efforts were halted due to the ongoing threat. No structures were reported lost, but residents were advised to stay prepared for potential evacuations.
Response and Investigation
Law Enforcement Mobilization: Over 300 officers, including FBI tactical teams, U.S. Marshals, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives agents from Portland, Spokane, and Seattle, responded. Helicopters with heat-seeking technology were deployed but were hindered by wildfire smoke and the presence of hikers. A no-fly zone, including a drone ban, was established to ensure operational safety
Sheriff’s Statements: Sheriff Norris described the attack as a “total ambush,” noting the firefighters “did not have a chance.” He reported active sniper fire during a 4:30 p.m. press conference, initially unsure of the number of shooters or casualties. By evening, authorities confirmed the lone suspect was deceased, lifting a shelter-in-place order for areas south of Hayden Lake Road and east of 15th Street.
Investigation Focus: Authorities are probing whether the fire was deliberately set to target first responders, with early indications supporting this theory. The motive remains unclear, and no ideological connections (e.g., to militia groups) have been confirmed.
Community and Official Reactions
Official Condemnations: Idaho Governor Brad Little called the attack a “heinous direct assault on our brave firefighters,” urging residents to avoid the area and pray for the victims. The Idaho House Republican Leadership expressed horror at the “vicious attack,” offering prayers for the fallen and injured
Firefighters’ Union: The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) confirmed the deaths, stating, “Two of our brothers were killed by a sniper, and a third brother remains in surgery.” IAFF President Edward Kelly called it a “heinous act of violence.”
Local Impact: Northern Lakes Fire Chief Pat Riley expressed heartbreak, noting that while firefighters train for such scenarios, “you never want to see it in your own community.” Local resident Linda Tiger, 80, told the BBC the attack was shocking, as such violence is unprecedented in Coeur d’Alene, a city of 55,000 near the Washington border.
Procession: At 8:00 p.m., a procession escorted the fallen firefighters from Kootenai Health to Spokane, led by local law enforcement and fire agencies.
Canfield Mountain: The incident occurred in a rugged, densely forested area with steep trails, complicating response efforts. The park’s 25 miles of trails are popular among hikers and bikers, and civilians were still descending the mountain during the gunfire, raising concerns about additional casualties.
Community Shock: Graham Christensen, past president of the Lake City Trail Alliance, noted the area’s reputation for safety, making the attack particularly jarring. Residents like Mark Lathrop, whose wife frequently hikes the area, described the terrain as “very steep,” offering ample cover for the shooter.
This remains a developing story, with further details expected from the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office.
