Firefighters Ambushed While Battling Idaho Wildfire
In a devastating Idaho firefighter shooting, two fire personnel were killed Sunday afternoon after first responders were ambushed by gunfire while battling a brush fire on Canfield Mountain in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.
Kootenai County Sheriff Robert Norris confirmed during a press briefing that the fatalities are believed to be firefighters. The number of additional injuries remains unknown as the situation continues to unfold.
Active Shooter Threat Continues on Canfield Mountain
The Idaho firefighter shooting occurred around 1:30 p.m. local time after a small brush fire broke out. When fire crews arrived roughly 30 minutes later, they were fired upon by an unknown person—or possibly multiple shooters—hiding in the wooded area.
Norris described the scene as “active and very dangerous,” adding that shots were coming from multiple directions on the mountain. Civilians descending from Canfield Mountain could also be trapped between the fire and gunfire, he warned.
A shelter-in-place order has been issued for Canfield Mountain Trailhead and surrounding areas due to the ongoing active shooter situation.
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FBI and Law Enforcement Intensify Manhunt
FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino stated that FBI tactical teams and technical assets are assisting local authorities in the Idaho firefighter shooting investigation. A police helicopter has been deployed to search for the suspect, but officials noted that the terrain and risk from the shooter complicate landing efforts.
Law enforcement is also investigating whether the fire was intentionally set to lure firefighters into an ambush, Kootenai County Sheriff’s Lt. Jeff Howard told the media.
Idaho Leaders Respond to “Heinous” Attack
Idaho Gov. Brad Little condemned the Idaho firefighter shooting as a “heinous direct assault on our brave firefighters,” urging Idahoans to pray for the victims and their families.
“Multiple heroic firefighters were attacked today while responding to a fire in North Idaho,” Little posted on X.
Meanwhile, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has been briefed on the unfolding situation, a DHS official confirmed to the media.
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Search for Shooter Ongoing
Authorities stressed that the suspect remains at large. Law enforcement officials said the manhunt is focused on locating the shooter, believed to be hiding in the mountainous area around Canfield Mountain.
The FBI and local police continue to coordinate ground and aerial efforts to end the threat and secure the area.
