In a shocking and tragic turn of events, two firefighters were killed and another seriously injured in a sniper ambush while responding to a brush fire on Canfield Mountain, near Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. The attack, which occurred on the afternoon of June 29, is being described by local officials as a premeditated assault on emergency responders.
đźš’ Deadly Ambush Catches First Responders Off Guard
Firefighters from multiple agencies were dispatched to contain a fast-moving wildfire when they were suddenly met with high-powered gunfire. The Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office reported that the first units came under sniper fire around 1:30 PM, resulting in the immediate deaths of two fire personnel. A third firefighter was airlifted in critical condition to Kootenai Health and is currently undergoing surgery.
Sheriff Bob Norris labeled the incident a “heinous act of violence” and suggested the blaze may have been intentionally set to lure emergency crews into a trap. The terrain and brush provided cover for the shooter, who exploited elevated positions to maximize damage.
🚨 Shelter-in-Place Order & Gunman Found Dead
Following the ambush, a shelter-in-place order was issued for nearby residents as law enforcement agencies launched a massive manhunt. A SWAT team later discovered the body of a man armed with a rifle near the scene, though officials have not yet confirmed whether he was the sole shooter. The order was lifted shortly after, but investigations are still ongoing.
The FBI and federal law enforcement have now joined the case to determine if more individuals were involved and what motivated the deadly attack.
🧑‍🚒 Community and National Response
Idaho Governor Brad Little condemned the assault, calling it a “direct and cowardly attack on heroes who risk their lives to protect others.” He urged residents to keep the victims and their families in their prayers and pledged full state support for the investigation.
The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) confirmed the fatalities and expressed deep sorrow at the loss of their members. Fire departments across the country have since posted tributes and messages of solidarity under the hashtag #FallenFirefighters.
🔥 Was It a Planned Trap?
Authorities believe this may not have been a random act. There is growing concern that the fire was deliberately set as bait, leading first responders into a pre-planned ambush. Investigators are now analyzing ballistic evidence, nearby surveillance footage, and the identity of the deceased suspect.
