Two Firefighters Killed in Sniper Ambush During Idaho Mountain Fire Response
In a tragic and terrifying turn of events, two firefighters lost their lives on Sunday while responding to a fire on Canfield Mountain, just north of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. What should have been a routine emergency call quickly escalated into a deadly sniper ambush that kept responders pinned down under gunfire for hours. The Idaho governor called the attack “heinous,” while law enforcement scrambled to secure the rugged terrain.
The Scene: Fire Turns Deadly
Around 1:30 p.m. local time, crews were dispatched to battle a fire burning on Canfield Mountain, a popular hiking and biking spot in this northern Idaho community of about 55,000 residents. Just a half hour into the firefighting operation, gunshots rang out, turning the scene into a nightmare.
The Kootenai County Sheriff's Office revealed that multiple shots came from what appeared to be a high-powered sniper rifle, aimed at the brave men and women working to control the blaze. This wasn’t just random gunfire — it was a calculated and targeted assault.
Sheriff Bob Norris gave a grim update at a 4:30 p.m. news briefing, explaining that deputies were still taking sniper fire and didn’t know how many suspects were involved. “We don’t know how many casualties there are or how many suspects are up there,” he said. At the same time, people were still evacuating the mountain, which meant the situation was ongoing and extremely dangerous.
A Brutal Ambush on First Responders
Governor Brad Little was quick to condemn the attack, describing it as a “heinous direct assault” on firefighters who were simply doing their jobs. He urged all Idahoans to keep the victims and their families in their thoughts and prayers as more details came in.
“This is an attack on those who risk their lives to protect others,” Governor Little said on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. He noted that multiple firefighters had been targeted in this chilling act of violence.
Sheriff Norris revealed that the suspected sniper had chosen a hidden vantage point within the thick brush and rugged landscape, making it difficult for deputies to respond without endangering themselves. “I instructed deputies to return fire,” Norris stated, hoping someone could neutralize the threat. “At this point, they are not showing any signs of surrender.”
The Fire Still Burns, But No Resources Can Be Deployed
Despite the firefight, the blaze itself was still active, with no firefighting resources able to safely access the area due to the ongoing sniper threat.
“It’s going to keep burning,” Sheriff Norris said grimly. “We can’t put any resources on it right now.”
This chilling reality adds another layer of complexity and urgency, as the fire continues to threaten the forested area with no clear way to contain it while the shooter remains at large.
FBI and Emergency Teams Respond
The FBI quickly joined the scene, sending technical teams and tactical support to assist local law enforcement. Deputy Director Dan Bongino shared on X that the situation “remains an active, and very dangerous scene.”
Emergency officials issued alerts urging the public to avoid the Canfield Mountain Trailhead and nearby Nettleton Gulch Road, which is located about four miles north of downtown Coeur d’Alene. Authorities continue to monitor the area closely, with search and containment operations ongoing.
Community and Leadership React
The Idaho House Republican Leadership issued a statement expressing horror and sympathy for the fallen firefighters, calling the attack “vicious” and “shocking.”
“We are praying for the firefighters who were killed and injured, their families, and their colleagues,” the statement said.
This close-knit community, known for its outdoor recreation and natural beauty, was rocked by the violence. Canfield Mountain, a favorite spot for hiking and biking, is covered in dense trees and brush with a network of trails—ideal for a sniper to conceal themselves, making the manhunt even more difficult.
What We Know — And What’s Still Unknown
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When it happened: Sunday afternoon, around 1:30 p.m. fire call, with gunfire starting about 30 minutes later.
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Where: Canfield Mountain, roughly four miles north of Coeur d’Alene.
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Casualties: Two firefighters killed; the number of other injured parties remains unclear.
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Suspects: Unknown number of shooters involved; no arrests reported as of now.
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Response: Deputies returning sniper fire; FBI tactical teams on site.
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Current status: Fire still burning, no firefighting resources can be deployed safely due to sniper threat.
A Tragic Reminder of Risks Faced by Firefighters
This incident painfully underscores the dangers firefighters face beyond battling flames. They risk their lives not just against nature, but sometimes human threats, too. The assault on these first responders, who run toward danger to save others, shocked the entire state and beyond.
Officials are still piecing together the exact circumstances and motive behind the sniper attack, but the priority remains neutralizing the threat and bringing justice.
What’s Next?
Authorities continue their search for the shooter(s), urging anyone with information to come forward. Meanwhile, residents are asked to avoid the area for their own safety as law enforcement works to clear the scene.
The community has rallied to support the families of the fallen firefighters, with vigils and fundraisers being organized. This tragedy has brought into sharp focus the courage and sacrifice of those who protect us every day — sometimes at the cost of their own lives.
Final Thoughts
While the investigation continues, one thing is clear: Idaho lost two heroes this Sunday, and the state is mourning. The bravery of firefighters putting their lives on the line is undeniable, and the viciousness of this attack has left a scar on the community.
As the fire continues to burn, so does the resolve of first responders and residents alike to bring those responsible to justice, honor the fallen, and keep their mountain town safe.
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