Introduction
In a devastating act of violence in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, two firefighters were shot and killed Idaho firefighter, and a third was seriously wounded after responding to a wildfire on Canfield Mountain. Authorities confirmed it was a “total ambush” deliberately staged by a lone gunman who also died during the hours-long standoff on Sunday.
The Ambush Unfolds
The incident began at approximately 1:21 p.m. PST when crews responded to a fire in a wooded, mountainous area north of Coeur d’Alene. Roughly 40 minutes later, first responders came under sniper fire from what authorities later determined was a high-powered sporting rifle. Sheriff Bob Norris of Kootenai County stated that the firefighters “did not have a chance.”
Two firefighters—one from Coeur d’Alene Fire Department and another from Kootenai County Fire & Rescue—were killed in the attack. A third firefighter is recovering in stable condition, though he initially faced life-threatening injuries.
Gunman Found Dead
More than 300 local, state, and federal officers—including SWAT teams and snipers in helicopters—responded to the scene. After several hours of gunfire, the shooter was located using mobile phone tracking. It remains unclear whether the suspect died by suicide or was shot by police Idaho firefighter.
“We had to move quickly as a fire was rapidly approaching the suspect’s body,” Sheriff Norris explained during a late-night press briefing. He noted that the information is still “very, very preliminary.”
Weapons and Motive
Authorities have yet to disclose the specific weapons found, but anticipate uncovering more firearms after the wildfire is fully contained. The motive behind the attack remains unknown Idaho firefighter.
Initial speculation suggested multiple shooters may have been involved, but later investigations confirmed a single assailant. Officials believe the gunman may have hidden weapons at various points and fired while running to new locations.
Shelter-in-Place and Public Reaction
The city issued a shelter-in-place alert to nearby residents during the chaos, which was lifted nearly seven hours later. Public safety officials have asked the public to stay away from the area and avoid flying drones that could interfere with aerial operations.
Local resident Linda Tiger, 80, expressed shock: “This has never happened here. But it goes to show no one is safe from this kind of mental sadness.”
Firefighters’ Union and Community Response
Edward Kelly, president of the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), confirmed that two union members died in what he described as a “heinous act of violence.”
Fire Chief Pat Riley told local media outlet KHQ that the department was “heartbroken” by the tragedy. Coeur d’Alene, a tight-knit community of about 56,000 people near the Washington border, is known for its tranquil mountain environment and outdoor recreation.
Canfield Mountain Wildfire
The wildfire triggered by the suspect has reportedly burned over 20 acres and was still active late Sunday night. Smoke and poor visibility hampered aerial surveillance using heat-detection technology.
Officials say a full sweep of the crime scene will resume once the fire is brought under control. Until then, authorities are prioritizing fire suppression and public safety in the area.
Conclusion
This senseless tragedy in Idaho is a stark reminder of the risks first responders face, not just from natural disasters but increasingly from acts of targeted violence. As authorities continue to investigate the shooter’s motive and recover evidence, the community of Coeur d’Alene—and indeed the nation—mourns the loss of those who gave their lives in the line of duty.
Further Reading
External Sources
