Deadly Ambush in Idaho Leaves Two Firefighters Dead
What started as a routine response to a brush fire in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho turned into a shocking tragedy on Sunday afternoon. Two firefighters were shot and killed in what officials are calling a “total ambush.” A third person was injured in the attack.
According to the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office, the gunman—suspected of both setting the fire and opening fire on first responders—was later found dead on Canfield Mountain. A firearm was discovered near his body.
Fire Call Turns Fatal
The incident began around 1:21 p.m., when firefighters received a report about a small brush fire on Canfield Mountain. Less than an hour later, at approximately 2:00 p.m., a chilling update came in: fire personnel were under fire.
Sheriff Robert Norris confirmed that two firefighters were killed—one from the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department and one from the Kootenai County Fire Department.
“This was a total ambush. These firefighters did not have a chance,” Norris stated during a press briefing.
A third person was rushed to Kootenai Health Hospital with a gunshot wound. Their current condition has not been made public.
Massive Law Enforcement Response
In the hours following the ambush, nearly 300 law enforcement officers converged on the area. SWAT teams, local police, and federal agents participated in the manhunt. Authorities exchanged gunfire with the suspect before locating his body around 7:40 p.m.
Sheriff Norris said the suspect was found dead before the brush fire reached his location. A firearm found nearby suggests the man acted alone. The investigation is ongoing, but officials strongly suspect the fire may have been deliberately set to lure first responders into the ambush.
Support From National Leaders
The response extended far beyond local agencies. Offers of help came from the White House, and FBI Director Kash Patel was briefed. The FBI and Department of Homeland Security are now assisting in the ongoing investigation.
Idaho Governor Brad Little called the attack “heinous” and a direct assault on our brave firefighters.
“Multiple heroic firefighters were attacked today… I ask all Idahoans to pray for them and their families,” he posted on X.
Community Reeling, Shelter Order Lifted
The Canfield Mountain Trailhead and surrounding areas were placed under a shelter-in-place order, which has since been lifted. However, authorities are urging residents to stay alert as the fire continues to be monitored.
As law enforcement agencies work to determine the gunman’s motive, questions remain. Was this a calculated trap to harm first responders? That’s what investigators are now trying to confirm.
Stay tuned to Maple Wire for updates as this developing story continues to unfold.
