Firefighters Ambushed in Idaho Brush Fire Attack; Suspect Found Dead on Mountain
COEUR D’ALENE, ID — A gunman who ambushed first responders battling a brush fire in northern Idaho on Sunday, killing two firefighters and injuring another, has been found dead on Canfield Mountain, authorities confirmed.
The Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office announced Sunday evening that the suspected shooter was discovered deceased by SWAT officers after an hourslong manhunt. A firearm was located near his body, and investigators believe he acted alone. Officials are now investigating whether the fire itself was intentionally set to lure responders into the ambush.
“This was a total ambush. These firefighters did not have a chance,” said Kootenai County Sheriff Robert Norris during a press briefing. “They were attacked while simply trying to do their jobs.”
A Calculated and Fatal Assault
The tragic incident began around 1:21 p.m. Sunday, when emergency services were alerted to a small brush fire burning on Canfield Mountain. By 2:00 p.m., firefighters from the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department and Kootenai County Fire Department reported they were under gunfire.
Two firefighters, one from each department, were fatally shot. A third responder suffered a gunshot wound and was transported to Kootenai Health Hospital, where they remain under treatment. Their identity and condition have not yet been released.
Sheriff Norris said approximately 300 law enforcement personnel responded, including tactical teams that engaged in gunfire exchanges with the suspect. At 6:30 p.m., authorities were given clearance to neutralize the shooter, and by 7:40 p.m., the suspect was confirmed dead. Officials recovered the body before the advancing fire reached the area.
Motives Under Investigation
Authorities are now working to determine whether the fire was used as bait to carry out the attack. “That’s a very real possibility we’re investigating,” said Lt. Jeff Howard of the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office.
The identity of the shooter has not yet been released pending notification of next of kin. However, based on ballistic evidence and the recovered weapon, officials believe only one gunman was involved in the deadly ambush.
National Response and Condemnation
The incident drew swift condemnation from state and federal officials. Idaho Governor Brad Little called it a “heinous, direct assault on our brave firefighters,” and asked Idahoans to pray for the victims and their families.
The FBI and the Department of Homeland Security are assisting in the investigation. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and FBI Director Kash Patel have been briefed, and the White House has offered additional resources.
By Sunday night, the shelter-in-place order for residents near Canfield Mountain Trailhead was lifted. Authorities continue to monitor fire activity and urge residents to stay alert as the investigation unfolds.
