A response to a small wildfire on Canfield Mountain in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, turned into a devastating tragedy when an armed assailant ambushed firefighters. Two were killed and another seriously injured on Sunday afternoon. Authorities believe the fire was set to lure emergency personnel into a deadly trap.
The incident began around 1:30 p.m. when firefighters were dispatched to a brush fire. Just 30 minutes later, shots rang out from the nearby woods. An unknown gunman began firing on the responders, leading one firefighter to radio for help, shouting, “Send law enforcement right now… everybody’s shot up here.”
The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) confirmed two of its members were killed, and one was undergoing surgery. The union labeled the incident a “heinous act of violence,” and its statement reflected the gravity and trauma of the ambush.
Kootenai County Sheriff Robert Norris revealed that his officers encountered sniper fire when responding to the scene. “We are actively taking sniper fire,” he told reporters, emphasizing the chaotic and dangerous environment his team had to navigate.
Authorities later discovered a deceased man on the mountain with a firearm nearby, believed to be the suspect. Investigators are now examining whether the fire was intentionally set to draw in first responders. The FBI and Department of Homeland Security have joined the case, suggesting the seriousness of the potential motive.
Former Boston Police Commissioner Ed Davis told CNN the scene resembled a battlefield, with injured firefighters pinned behind their vehicles, bleeding and unable to escape. He described the radio calls as chilling and heartbreaking.
The Canfield Mountain Trailhead was placed under a shelter-in-place order, later lifted, though fire danger remains. Residents have been urged to remain alert.
Idaho Governor Brad Little condemned the attack, calling it a direct assault on the state’s heroic first responders. In a public statement, he asked Idahoans to pray for the victims and their grieving families, emphasizing the bravery of those who rushed into danger.
