- Monday, June 30, 2025
A tragic ambush on Canfield Mountain in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, left two firefighters dead and one critically injured after a gunman set a wildfire as a deadly trap. Authorities found the suspect dead after an extensive manhunt.
By: Vibhuti Pathak
Tragedy struck on Sunday (29), in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, when two firefighters were fatally shot while responding to a brush fire on Canfield Mountain, a popular outdoor recreation area just outside the city.
The firefighters were ambushed by a gunman who deliberately set the fire as a trap. A third firefighter was critically injured and underwent surgery; authorities report he is currently in stable condition but “fighting for his life.”
Timeline of Events
Fire crews were dispatched around 1:22 PM local time to a wildfire on Canfield Mountain. Approximately 30 minutes later, at about 2 PM, gunfire erupted.
Kootenai County Sheriff Robert Norris revealed that the shooter used high-powered sporting rifles to open rapid fire on the first responders. The attack was described as a “total ambush,” leaving the firefighters with little chance to defend themselves.
Suspect and Investigation
Authorities believe the suspect acted alone and intentionally started the fire to lure firefighters into the ambush. After an extensive search involving over 300 law enforcement officers, including FBI agents and local SWAT teams, the suspect’s body was found on the mountain with a firearm nearby.
Officials have not disclosed the suspect’s identity or the exact type of weapon recovered. It remains unclear how the suspect died.
Multiple heroic firefighters were attacked today while responding to a fire in North Idaho. This is a heinous direct assault on our brave firefighters. I ask all Idahoans to pray for them and their families as we wait to learn more. Teresa and I are heartbroken.
As this…
— Brad Little (@GovernorLittle) June 29, 2025
A shelter-in-place order was issued for the surrounding area during the manhunt but was lifted late Sunday night after the suspect was located. Police used mobile phone data to pinpoint the location of the suspect. The investigation into the motive and circumstances continues.
Victims and Community Response
The identities of the two fallen firefighters have not been released, as officials emphasize the need to support their grieving families. One firefighter was a member of the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department, while the other served with Kootenai County Fire and Rescue.
The community and officials have expressed profound sorrow and condemnation of the attack. Idaho Governor Brad Little called the shooting a “heinous direct assault on our brave firefighters.”
A procession escorted the bodies of the fallen firefighters to Spokane, Washington, with emergency vehicles and community members paying tribute. The International Association of Fire Fighters described the act as “despicable violence” against public servants.
Fire and Area Status
The wildfire scorched approximately 20 acres of forested land on Canfield Mountain but did not destroy any structures. As of early Monday morning (30), the fire was still active, though authorities continue firefighting efforts. The mountain area is densely wooded with hiking and biking trails, making firefighting and law enforcement operations challenging.
Ongoing Safety Concerns
Sheriff Norris warned that the suspect was well-prepared and concealed in dense foliage, making the situation highly dangerous. Authorities remain vigilant to prevent further violence and ensure public safety. Residents were urged to stay indoors and avoid the area during the active threat.
The ambush on firefighters responding to a deliberately set wildfire in Coeur d’Alene marks a tragic and rare act of violence against first responders. Two firefighters lost their lives, and another was seriously injured in what officials describe as a calculated and brutal attack. Law enforcement agencies continue to investigate the incident as the community mourns the loss of its heroes.
