A horrific incident unfolded on Canfield Mountain near Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, when a brush fire tragically became the scene of a fatal ambush. Responding firefighters were deliberately targeted by sniper fire, resulting in a massive law enforcement manhunt. Hours after the attack, authorities confirmed the death of the suspected gunman, located with a firearm near where the assault occurred. This shocking event claimed the lives of two heroic firefighters and severely injured a third, prompting widespread grief and a large-scale investigation into the motive behind such a heinous act of violence against first responders.
Ambush on Canfield Mountain
The day began with a report of a brush fire on Canfield Mountain. Fire crews from the Coeur d’Alene area quickly responded, as they do countless times to protect communities and wildlands. However, this response turned deadly around 2 p.m. when firefighters came under sudden and intense gunfire. According to Kootenai County Sheriff Robert Norris, the fire appears to have been intentionally set, designed specifically to lure first responders into a pre-planned “total ambush.”
The attack was swift and brutal. Firefighters were met with rapid fire from what Sheriff Norris described as “modern-day, high-powered, sporting rifles.” The sudden barrage left them with “no chance.” The scene immediately became one of “sheer pandemonium,” as reported by emergency radio transmissions capturing urgent calls for help and law enforcement support.
Fire Crews Forced to Retreat
The danger from the active shooter was so extreme that fire crews, despite the ongoing blaze, were forced to abandon their efforts and retreat to a safer staging area. This not only allowed the fire to continue spreading but also complicated initial efforts to reach the injured firefighters and secure the scene. The priority shifted instantly from firefighting to a life-or-death law enforcement situation aimed at neutralizing the threat. This decision highlights the extreme peril faced by first responders when confronted by deliberate violence.
Tragic Loss and Injury
The ambush had devastating consequences for the firefighting community. Two firefighters were fatally shot during the attack. Tragically, both succumbed to their injuries before they could reach a hospital. A third firefighter was also critically injured in the shooting.
The victims were members of the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF). The association released a statement confirming the deaths of “two of our brothers” and that a “third brother remains in surgery.” The injured firefighter underwent surgery and was later reported to be in stable condition, though Sheriff Norris initially described him as “fighting for his life.” One of the deceased firefighters served with the Coeur D’Alene Fire Department, while the other was with Kootenai County Fire and Rescue. The loss of these brave individuals sent shockwaves through local communities and the wider first responder family.
Massive Response and Manhunt
In response to the active shooter situation, a massive law enforcement presence converged on Canfield Mountain. Approximately 300 officers from numerous local, state, and federal agencies participated in the extensive search and rescue operation. Agencies included the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office, Coeur d’Alene Police, SWAT teams, the FBI, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Even a US Customs and Border Protection helicopter provided support from the air.
Initial reports included concerns about multiple shooters, but authorities quickly focused their efforts on locating a single gunman. Police snipers and helicopters equipped with advanced technology, including heat-seeking capabilities, scoured the densely wooded and challenging mountainous terrain for the suspect. The area was designated a no-fly zone, specifically prohibiting drones to protect the safety of the hundreds of personnel involved in the operation.
Tracking the Suspect
A critical breakthrough came when federal partners assisted in tracking a cellphone signal believed to belong to the suspect. The signal had remained stationary in a specific location on the mountain for several hours, allowing law enforcement to narrow their search area. This technological assistance proved vital in pinpointing the location of the gunman amidst the vast and difficult landscape complicated by the ongoing wildfire. A recommendation was made around 6:30 p.m. local time to move towards neutralizing the threat based on the suspect’s location.
Suspect Located Deceased
Hours into the tense manhunt, the SWAT team located a deceased male on Canfield Mountain. A firearm was found nearby. Authorities quickly confirmed their belief that this individual was the suspected gunman responsible for the ambush. Preliminary investigations strongly suggested that he acted alone in planning and executing the attack.
Sheriff Norris stated that the finding meant there was no longer an active threat to the community. Following this discovery, a shelter-in-place order that had been issued for surrounding residents and hikers was lifted. However, the danger from the wildfire, which had been allowed to burn during the shootout, remained. Authorities noted that the fire itself complicated the scene, potentially compromising evidence. This necessitated swift action to recover the suspect’s body as the fire approached, in Sheriff Norris’s words, to “scoop up that body” to preserve critical information.
Motive Remains Unclear
While authorities are confident the suspect intentionally started the fire as an ambush tactic, the specific motive for targeting firefighters remains unknown. Sheriff Norris characterized the event as “very, very, very rare” for the rural Kootenai County area, noting that such deliberate attacks on first responders are more commonly associated with urban environments. The investigation into the suspect’s background and potential reasons for carrying out such a violent act will continue in the days and weeks ahead. Determining if the suspect possessed more weapons was also pending further investigation once the fire subsided.
Community Reactions and Support
The tragic ambush prompted an outpouring of grief and support for the affected firefighters and their families. Idaho Governor Brad Little condemned the incident as a “heinous direct assault” on brave first responders, asking Idahoans to keep the victims in their prayers. Idaho Attorney General Raul Labrador echoed these sentiments, stating that firefighters are heroes who put their lives on the line daily and should never be targets.
Statements of support and monitoring were also received from federal officials, including the FBI, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who affirmed that justice would be served. The Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office was in direct communication with the White House, FBI, and the governor’s office throughout the unfolding crisis. A procession was planned to honor the deceased firefighters, with community members gathering to pay their respects.
Broader Context of Responder Violence
While rare in this specific rural context, violence against first responders, including firefighters and paramedics, is a disturbingly common issue across the United States. Incidents range from assaults to targeted shootings, highlighting the inherent dangers faced by those who rush towards emergencies. This ambush serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable threats that can confront emergency personnel, even in seemingly routine situations like responding to a brush fire.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened during the Idaho firefighter ambush?
On June 29, 2025, firefighters responding to a brush fire on Canfield Mountain near Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, were ambushed by a sniper. The fire is believed to have been intentionally set to lure responders. Two firefighters were killed and a third was injured by the gunfire. A massive law enforcement response ensued, leading to a manhunt for the shooter.
Where did the Idaho firefighter ambush take place?
The fatal ambush occurred on Canfield Mountain, located north of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. The incident specifically unfolded near East Nettleton Gulch Road while firefighters were battling a brush fire in the area. Canfield Mountain is known as a popular recreational area with dense forest.
Was the suspect in the Idaho firefighter ambush apprehended?
The suspect was located hours after the ambush during a large-scale manhunt involving hundreds of law enforcement officers. Authorities tracked a cellphone signal to his location on Canfield Mountain. A SWAT team found the individual deceased with a firearm nearby. Investigators believe this person was the sole gunman responsible for the attack.
Conclusion
The ambush that killed two Idaho firefighters and injured a third on Canfield Mountain was a tragic and shocking event. It highlights the extreme dangers faced by first responders and the unpredictable nature of their work. While the immediate threat was neutralized with the discovery of the suspected gunman’s body, the community is left grappling with the senseless loss of life. The courage and sacrifice of the firefighters who responded to the call, walking into a deliberate trap, will be remembered. The investigation into this heinous act continues, seeking to understand the full scope of the incident and bring closure to the victims’ families and colleagues. The dedication of the hundreds of law enforcement officers who worked tirelessly to secure the area and locate the suspect also underscores the coordinated effort required in such crises.
