Idaho Firefighters Shot

 

Two Firefighters Killed, One Injured in Idaho Shooting While Responding to Wildfire

 

June 29 – Coeur d'Alene, Idaho – A tragic shooting unfolded in northern Idaho on Sunday, where two firefighters were shot and killed and a third was critically injured while responding to a wildfire near Canfield Mountain, according to the Kootenai County Sheriff's Office.

Authorities believe the gunman deliberately started the fire and then ambushed the first responders. Sheriff Bob Norris described the incident as a "total ambush," stating that the firefighters had no warning or chance to defend themselves.

The third firefighter, who survived the attack, underwent emergency surgery and remains in stable condition, though his injuries are severe.

 

Law enforcement and emergency responders faced sniper fire during the ordeal, which lasted several hours. Over 300 personnel from local, state, and federal agencies were involved, including two helicopters with snipers onboard.

The suspect was eventually located using cell phone tracking. His body was found by a SWAT team near the fire scene, with a firearm recovered nearby. It remains unclear whether the gunman died from police gunfire or took his own life. The suspect’s identity and motive have not yet been disclosed.

The shooter reportedly used a high-powered rifle and fired rapidly at arriving crews. Firefighters were met with gunfire almost immediately and could not determine the shooter's location. Sheriff Norris noted that more weapons might be discovered once crews can safely search the area after the fire is fully contained.

Governor Brad Little condemned the attack, calling it a "heinous act" against public servants. He urged Idahoans to keep the victims and their families in their thoughts and prayers.

The FBI is assisting with the investigation, deploying both technical and tactical teams on-site.

This violent incident highlights once again the risks faced by first responders and the ongoing issue of gun-related violence in the United States. According to the CDC, nearly 18,000 people were killed in gun-related homicides in 2023.