Firefighters killed in Idaho shooting ambush: Two firefighters were tragically killed and one critically injured in a shocking Idaho shooting ambush while responding to a wildfire near Coeur d’Alene on Canfield Mountain, law enforcement officials confirmed late Sunday. Authorities say the attack appears to have been a deliberate ambush by a sniper, adding that the suspect was later found dead nearby with a firearm.
firefighters killed in Idaho shooting ambush: Deadly Wildfire Ambush in Idaho Leaves Firefighters Dead
According to the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office, the deceased male suspect was located hours after the incident on Canfield Mountain, where firefighters were responding to a brush fire near East Nettleton Gulch Road. The sheriff’s office said a shelter-in-place order was lifted Sunday evening, but the wildfire continued to burn.
Officials believe the suspect intentionally started the fire and used the opportunity to target first responders in what authorities describe as a “heinous and intentional ambush.”
“This was a total ambush. These firefighters didn’t have a chance,” said Sheriff Robert Norris, noting that initial investigations suggest the shooter acted alone.
Suspect Found Dead After Idaho Sniper Attack on Firefighters
The sheriff added that law enforcement teams tracked the suspect’s cellphone signal to a location on the mountain. As flames threatened to destroy key evidence, the body was quickly recovered along with a nearby high-powered rifle believed to be used in the shooting. The type and number of firearms will be confirmed once the fire is fully contained.
An FBI tactical team also responded to support local authorities. FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino said, “It remains a very active and dangerous scene.”
Nationwide Outpouring After Firefighters Shot During Wildfire
The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) confirmed that the victims were union firefighters.
“While responding to a fire earlier today in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, IAFF members were ambushed in a heinous act of violence. Two of our brothers were killed by a sniper, and a third remains in surgery,” the IAFF said in a public statement.
Idaho Governor Brad Little, along with officials from the Department of Homeland Security, Attorney General’s office, and local law enforcement, expressed grief and pledged continued support.
“Multiple heroic firefighters were attacked today while responding to a fire in North Idaho. This is a heinous assault on our brave first responders,” Little said. “Please pray for them and their families.”
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Kootenai County Fire Ambush Sparks State and Federal Investigation
Over 300 law enforcement officers responded to the Canfield Mountain active shooter alert, issued early Sunday. Firefighters were forced to retreat due to gunfire, leaving the brush fire to spread. Authorities warned nearby residents to stay alert and avoid the area.
Sheriff Norris emphasized the scale of the investigation, which involves coordination with the FBI, White House, and state emergency response teams. The sheriff’s office continues to work through the night and expects the investigation to continue into Monday.
