Two firefighters were killed and a third critically wounded in a sniper-style ambush in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, after a gunman allegedly ignited a wildfire on Canfield Mountain and opened fire on first responders, authorities said Sunday.
Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris confirmed the gunman was later found dead by a SWAT team using cellphone tracking data, with a firearm located nearby as the blaze continued to advance. "We do believe that the suspect started the fire, and we do believe that it was an ambush and it was intentional," Norris said during a Sunday night press briefing. "These firefighters did not have a chance."
The sheriff's office did not identify the suspect or confirm how he died. However, Norris described the scene as "a total ambush" carried out with a "modern-day, high-powered, sporting rifle" from a hidden location in rugged terrain. The body was recovered hastily due to encroaching flames. "We felt that as the fire was approaching, we needed to scoop up that body," he said.
Emergency dispatchers received reports of a brush fire around 1:30 p.m. Sunday near East Nettleton Gulch Road, a wooded area just four miles north of downtown Coeur d'Alene. Within 30 minutes, shots rang out. "Everybody's shot up here ... send law enforcement now," a first responder radioed from the scene.
Two firefighters were declared dead on arrival at Kootenai Health hospital, and a third remained in stable condition following emergency surgery. "Fighting for his life," Norris said of the wounded firefighter.
The attack prompted a massive response involving approximately 300 law enforcement personnel, including FBI tactical units and federal agents. "FBI technical teams and tactical assets are currently on the scene providing support," said FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino.
The Idaho Governor's Office, White House, and Department of Homeland Security were all in communication with local officials. "Multiple heroic firefighters were attacked today while responding to a fire in North Idaho," Idaho Governor Brad Little said in a statement. "This is a heinous direct assault on our brave firefighters. I ask all Idahoans to pray for them and their families."
Authorities lifted a shelter-in-place order Sunday evening after confirming no other shooters were active. "We believe that was the only shooter that was on that mountain at that time," Norris said.
The International Association of Fire Fighters identified the victims as union members. "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 brother remains in surgery," the union said.
The area remains under threat from the ongoing wildfire. The sheriff's office warned residents to stay prepared, as conditions remain volatile. Coeur d'Alene, a city of 55,000 near the Washington border, is surrounded by dense forests and trail systems popular with hikers and bikers.
Bruce Deming, a resident whose property borders Canfield Mountain, said he initially noticed the smoke but was puzzled by the absence of firefighting helicopters. "Because they're concerned about being shot at," he later realized after hearing about the ambush.
Fire crews had to retreat under the threat of gunfire, hampering containment efforts. "We're taking rapid fire," Norris said earlier in the day, as he directed deputies to return fire. A recommendation to neutralize the gunman was made by 6:30 p.m.
State and federal leaders condemned the attack. Idaho Attorney General Raul Labrador said, "These heroes put their lives on the line for us every day; they should never be targets." The Idaho House Republican Leadership added: "We are horrified by the murder of two firefighters ... and shocked by such a vicious attack on our first responders."
