A gunman armed with a rifle set a wildfire in a northern Idaho mountain community on Sunday, then opened fire on first responders, killing two firefighters and critically injuring a third, authorities confirmed.
Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris said the attack unfolded near Canfield Mountain, just north of Coeur d’Alene. Crews first responded to reports of a brush fire around 1:30 p.m. About 30 minutes later, gunfire erupted.
“It was an ambush. It was intentional,” Sheriff Norris said during a Sunday night press briefing. “These firefighters didn’t have a chance.”
A shelter-in-place order was issued as law enforcement teams searched the area. Later that evening, a tactical unit used cellphone data to track the suspect to a wooded area where they found his body and a firearm nearby as flames advanced. His identity and the type of weapon used have not been released. Authorities believe he acted alone.
Scene of Chaos and Courage
Three victims were transported to Kootenai Health hospital. Two were pronounced dead on arrival, and the third underwent surgery and is now in stable condition, Norris said. The wounded firefighter is reportedly “fighting for his life.”
The attack caused chaos on the ground. As fire crews rushed to contain the blaze, they came under sustained gunfire. A desperate radio call from the scene captured the moment: “Everybody’s shot up here … send law enforcement now.”
Sheriff Norris said the shooter appeared to be hiding in the rugged terrain with what may have been a high-powered rifle. He authorized deputies to return fire for their own safety.
State and National Response
Idaho Governor Brad Little condemned the attack, calling it a “heinous assault” and urging residents to pray for the victims and their families. “Multiple firefighting personnel were attacked,” he confirmed.
The FBI has since joined the investigation, offering technical and tactical support.
A somber moment came Sunday night as the bodies of the fallen firefighters were transported to Spokane, Washington, in a procession of emergency vehicles. Firefighters and officers stood in silent tribute as the convoy passed.
The Idaho House Republican leadership released a statement saying they were “horrified” by the attack and were praying for the families and the surviving firefighter.
Community on Edge
The Kootenai County Emergency Management Office urged residents to avoid the area around the Canfield Mountain Trailhead and Nettleton Gulch Road, about four miles north of Coeur d’Alene. Although the shelter order has been lifted, officials warn that the wildfire is still active and poses a continuing risk.
Canfield Mountain, a heavily wooded area popular for hiking and biking, is on the city’s outskirts and bordered by homes. With its dry brush and dense terrain, it’s a high-risk zone during fire season.
Bruce Deming, a local resident whose property borders the trail system, said he noticed smoke early in the afternoon but was puzzled by the lack of air support. A friend’s message soon explained why.
“When I found out about the shooter, it all made sense,” he said. “They weren’t flying because they were afraid of getting shot at.”
Deming later helped deputies by directing them to a trail near his backyard that led toward the fire’s origin. “I just don’t want to wake up wondering if someone’s prowling near my house,” he added.
As the investigation continues, the community mourns its fallen heroes and grapples with the horror of a tragedy no one could have expected.
