Published: June 30, 2025
COEUR D’ALENE, ID — A shocking and calculated act of violence took place in northern Idaho on Sunday, where a gunman reportedly started a wildfire before ambushing first responders, killing two firefighters and seriously injuring a third.
According to the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office, crews were responding to a wildfire at Canfield Mountain around 1:30 p.m. when gunshots rang out approximately 30 minutes later. Authorities believe the gunman, who was later found dead with a firearm nearby, acted alone and used the blaze as a trap to draw in emergency responders.
“We do believe that the suspect started the fire, and we do believe that it was an ambush and it was intentional,” said Sheriff Bob Norris. “These firefighters did not have a chance.”
The chilling attack created panic as emergency crews found themselves under sniper fire while trying to contain the blaze. Radio dispatches captured the terror: “Everybody’s shot up here … send law enforcement now.”
Three victims were transported to Kootenai Health. Two were pronounced dead on arrival, while the third underwent surgery and was reported to be in stable condition by late Sunday night.
Governor Brad Little condemned the act, calling it a “heinous direct assault on our brave firefighters.” He urged Idahoans to pray for the victims and their families.
The sniper is believed to have used a high-powered rifle and positioned himself in the rugged terrain of the mountain. Deputies were ordered to return fire. His body was found later that evening using cellphone tracking data in a wooded area as flames continued to advance.
Out of caution, a shelter-in-place order was issued and later lifted, but authorities warned residents near Canfield Mountain Trailhead and Nettleton Gulch Road to remain alert as the fire remained active.
As night fell, the bodies of the fallen firefighters were honored in a somber procession to Spokane, Washington, accompanied by law enforcement and fellow firefighters. The community lined the streets, saluting as the vehicles passed.
Officials have not released the identity of the suspect, nor confirmed the exact firearm used. The investigation remains ongoing.