Community Honors Fallen Firefighters Lost in Idaho Ambush
Two firefighters were killed and a third was severely wounded in an ambush while responding to a brush fire in northern Idaho. The incident started with a small brush fire on Canfield Mountain, but when firefighters arrived on the scene to respond, someone opened fire on them with a sniper rifle, CBN News reported. As a result, two firefighters were killed, while a third was wounded, underwent surgery, and was described as 'fighting for his life' but in stable condition.
"We've got two unresponsive Battalion Chiefs, gunshot wounds, multiple gunshot wounds. Two Coeur d'Alene firefighters are down. I'm pinned down behind Battalion One's rig. It's clear to me that this fire was set intentionally to draw us in," The fire crew radioed in during the time of the incident.
Meanwhile, Bob Norris, Kootenai County Sheriff, noted that the gunman intentionally started the fire to lure the firefighters in and shoot them.
"We do believe that the suspect started the fire, and we do believe that it was an ambush, and it was intentional. This was a total ambush. These firefighters didn't stand a chance."
The fire was met with a widespread response from law enforcement, including those who traveled from across Idaho and eastern Washington to the scene.
"We had about 300 law enforcement officers that were on scene that were trying to make heads and tails out of what was occurring," Sheriff Norris said.
The gunman was later found dead in a wooded area after a tactical response team used cell phone data to find him. Authorities, however, did not reveal his identity, the type of firearm he used, the cause of death, or whether he shot himself.
"Based on the preliminary information, we believe that is the only shooter," Norris said.
In support of the fallen firefighters, crowds gathered at a local bridge and waved American flags in their honor.
"This is something that we don't train for. It's not something we expect. It's not something our firefighters should have to deal with," Kootenai Fire and Rescue Deputy Chief Pete Holley said.
WATCH: Public Procession for Idaho Firefighters Killed in Ambush Attack
Photo Credit: ©YouTube Screen Grab/KREM 2 News
Originally published July 01, 2025.
