Coeur d’Alene, Idaho — A tragic incident unfolded Sunday afternoon when two firefighters were fatally shot while responding to a brush fire in the area of Canfield Mountain. The Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the emergency response, which took a devastating turn when a gunman began firing on the first responders.
The brush fire was initially reported at around 1:30 p.m. Pacific Time. Just over half an hour later, the sheriff’s office reported that shots were fired at the firefighters. During a press briefing, Sheriff Bob Norris indicated that the gunman was actively targeting public safety personnel, complicating the emergency response efforts. “This is an active situation, and we are prepared to neutralize the suspect,” he stated during the conference.
Three individuals were transported to Kootenai Health, where the two firefighters were pronounced dead upon arrival. The condition of the third victim remains uncertain. Local authorities had to pause firefighting operations as they dealt with the ongoing threat from the shooter, raising concerns about the encroaching wildfire.
Law enforcement confirmed that a SWAT team located the suspected shooter near the scene later in the evening, where he was found deceased with a rifle. Kootenai County Emergency Management issued a statement, advising residents to remain alert and prepared, as the wildfire continued to smolder in the background.
A no-fly zone was established over the Canfield Mountain area to protect ongoing operations, with authorities urging the public to refrain from using drones, which could hinder firefighting and police efforts. As the circumstances unfolded, Norris remarked on the weaponry being used, suggesting that modern sporting rifles were involved and acknowledging the complications of identifying whether multiple shooters were at work.
Idaho Governor Brad Little condemned the attack on firefighters, labeling it a “heinous direct assault.” He urged residents to keep the victims’ families in their thoughts, sharing a message of solidarity as the situation developed. Public officials across the state expressed shock and concern, with U.S. Rep. Mike Simpson and Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch also voicing their support and prayers for the first responders.
Officials from both state and federal agencies responded to the scene as the investigation continued. By late Sunday night, the situation was still being monitored closely, with a press conference scheduled for further updates. As the community processes this tragedy, the focus remains on honoring the sacrificial work of those who bravely serve in emergency response roles.