In a chilling premeditated attack, Idaho firefighters were shot while battling a wildfire deliberately set as a trap. Two firefighters were killed and a third critically injured when a sniper opened fire near Coeur d’Alene, triggering a large-scale response by United States federal and local agencies.
Authorities said the fire was intentionally set to lure crews into the ambush zone, a scenario law enforcement called unprecedented in Idaho.
“This was a heinous direct assault on our brave firefighters,” said Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris, according to KXLY
Timeline of the incident
2:00 p.m. PDT
Fire crews from Coeur d’Alene Fire Department, Kootenai County Fire & Rescue, and Northern Lakes Fire District were dispatched to a fast-moving wildfire on Canfield Mountain. The fire had already spread across approximately 20 acres.
Shortly after arrival, they came under intense rifle fire from a hidden position. Witnesses described multiple bursts of gunfire.
“They were shot at without warning while trying to save lives and protect property,” Norris said.
Responders were forced to take cover behind fire trucks. A shelter-in-place order was issued for nearby residents, according to AP.
By late afternoon, SWAT teams located a man dead near the perimeter with a high-powered rifle.
Authorities believe he was the sole gunman but have not yet publicly identified him pending notification of next of kin.
The surviving firefighter was airlifted and underwent emergency surgery. As of Sunday, he remained in stable condition.
Official reactions
Governor Brad Little condemned the ambush as an “unimaginable act of violence.”
“Idaho is grieving with the families of these firefighters. We will honor their sacrifice and bring accountability,” he said
The International Association of Fire Fighters called the attack “one of the most despicable acts targeting first responders.”
Federal agents from the FBI, ATF, and Department of Homeland Security joined local teams to process the scene and gather evidence.
A no-fly zone was imposed during the tactical response and lifted once authorities secured the mountain.
Community impact
Residents gathered overnight outside Station 3 in Coeur d’Alene, leaving flowers and handwritten notes honoring the fallen.
Officials said the fire was largely contained by Sunday morning but that investigators would remain on site for several days to process evidence.
The names of the deceased have not yet been released.
