A devastating scene unfolded near <a href="https://news.quantosei.com/2025/06/30/authorities-find-man-dead-with-firearm-nearby-hours-after-idaho-firefighters-killed-in-ambush/” title=”Deadly Idaho Firefighter Ambush: Suspect Found Deceased”>coeur d’alene, Idaho, this past Sunday when a wildfire escalated into a deadly ambush. Authorities report that two firefighters were tragically killed and a third critically injured after a man intentionally set a fire to lure first responders into a planned attack. The shocking incident, described by officials as a “total ambush,” involved sustained sniper fire targeting emergency crews. This horrific event has sent shockwaves through the tight-knit community and highlights the grave dangers faced by those who rush toward danger to help others.
A Planned Ambush on Canfield Mountain
The incident began as a seemingly routine wildfire response in the rugged, tree-covered terrain of Canfield Mountain, a popular recreation area just north of Coeur d’Alene. However, investigators quickly determined this was no accident. According to Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris, preliminary evidence strongly suggests the fire, later identified as the Nettleton Gulch Fire, was deliberately ignited by a suspect. The chilling purpose, authorities believe, was to create a deadly trap for incoming firefighters and law enforcement.
Timeline of a Deadly Attack
Emergency crews first received reports of the fire on Canfield Mountain around 1:21 p.m. PST Sunday afternoon. Firefighters from both the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department and Kootenai County Fire and Rescue quickly responded. What started as a wildfire response rapidly transformed into a desperate struggle for survival. Approximately 40 minutes after the initial fire call, reports flooded in that responders were under active gunfire. The ambush was underway.
First Responders Face Sniper Fire
The gunman, believed to be acting alone, unleashed a barrage of shots with a high-powered sporting rifle. First responders arriving at the scene were immediately pinned down by sniper fire emanating from the challenging mountainous landscape. The rugged terrain, dense with trees and thick brush, provided the shooter with cover and complicated efforts to locate him. Responders faced hours of intermittent gunfire, turning the wildfire scene into an active and deadly threat zone.
Heroic Response Amidst Chaos
In response to the unprecedented attack, a massive multi-agency law enforcement effort was mobilized. Over 300 officers from city, county, state, and federal agencies converged on Canfield Mountain. This included personnel from the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office, Coeur d’Alene Police Department, Spokane Police Department, FBI, ATF, and U.S. Marshals Service. Harrowing radio transmissions from the scene captured the chaos and urgency, with calls for immediate law enforcement support and medical aid. Tactical teams, including a SWAT unit, were deployed to search the area and neutralize the threat. Two helicopters, one equipped with snipers, provided aerial support, though smoke from the fire sometimes hindered visibility and efforts to pinpoint the shooter.
Locating the Suspect and Ongoing Investigation
After hours of searching and facing active gunfire, law enforcement located the suspected shooter. A tactical team found a deceased male near where the attack took place. His location was pinpointed with assistance from technical teams, including federal partners utilizing advanced tracking capabilities linked to a cell phone signal detected in the area. A firearm was found nearby the body. Authorities believe this individual was the lone perpetrator responsible for the Idaho firefighter ambush.
Victims of the Attack and Community Impact
The tragic ambush resulted in the deaths of two brave firefighters. One firefighter served with the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department, and the other was a member of Kootenai County Fire and Rescue. A third firefighter from the Coeur d’Alene department sustained critical injuries and was airlifted to Kootenai Health hospital. Though initially “fighting for his life,” he is now reported to be in stable condition after undergoing surgery.
The names of the fallen and injured firefighters have not yet been released as authorities support their families. The incident has deeply shaken the Coeur d’Alene community, a city of about 56,000 people. Longtime residents expressed disbelief, stating such a violent event is unprecedented in the area. Officials from across Idaho and national firefighter organizations condemned the attack. Idaho Governor Brad Little called it a “heinous direct assault” on first responders. Edward Kelly, President of the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), echoed these sentiments, describing it as a “heinous act of violence.”
The Challenging Scene: Fire and Forensics
While resources were initially diverted to the active shooter situation, the Nettleton Gulch Fire continued to burn. By Sunday night, the blaze had grown to approximately 20 acres, though initial reports indicated no structures were lost. The fire itself added another layer of complexity to the investigation. Authorities faced challenges searching the scene due to the encroaching flames. Sheriff Norris described the necessity of quickly retrieving the suspect’s body due to the fire’s rapid approach.
Investigators anticipate finding additional weapons and evidence at the scene once the fire is fully extinguished and the area is safe to process thoroughly. While the believed sole suspect is deceased, questions remain about the exact circumstances of his death—whether he died by suicide or was killed during the exchange of gunfire with law enforcement. Crucially, the motive behind this targeted attack on first responders remains unknown and is a key focus of the ongoing investigation. Authorities have urged the public to stay away from the area and refrain from flying drones, which could interfere with firefighting efforts and the complex forensic work required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was the Coeur d’Alene area fire intentionally set as an ambush?
Yes, Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris stated that based on preliminary evidence, investigators strongly believe the Nettleton Gulch Fire was intentionally set by the suspect. The fire was allegedly started specifically to draw first responders to the scene, turning the area into a deliberate ambush location.
What is known about the suspect in the Idaho firefighter shooting?
Authorities believe the suspect acted alone in the attack. He was located deceased by a tactical team near the scene of the shooting after an hours-long incident involving sniper fire. A firearm was found near his body. His identity and motive are currently unknown, and it remains unclear whether he died from a self-inflicted wound or was shot by law enforcement.
Which fire departments lost personnel in the Canfield Mountain ambush?
Two firefighters were killed in the ambush on Canfield Mountain. One fallen firefighter was from the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department, and the other was from Kootenai County Fire and Rescue. A third firefighter from the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department was critically injured but is reported to be in stable condition after surgery.
The tragic events on Canfield Mountain serve as a stark reminder of the immense risks faced by firefighters and other first responders every day. What began as a call to battle a wildfire quickly devolved into a targeted act of violence, resulting in the loss of life and significant injury. As the community mourns and the investigation continues, the focus remains on supporting the affected families and understanding the full scope of this unprecedented attack on those dedicated to public safety. The Nettleton Gulch Fire, the initial catalyst for the tragedy, also remains a concern, though efforts are focused on ensuring the scene’s safety for investigators and eventually, fire crews.
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