Two firefighters shot dead after an ambush at Canfield Mountain, Idaho
At least two firefighters were shot dead and one was wounded after being ambushed while responding to a fire at Canfield Mountain just north of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, on Sunday afternoon, June 29, 2025.
— The Informant (@theinformant_x) June 30, 2025
Kootenai County Sheriff Robert Norris reported an ongoing active shooter situation near Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, in the Canfield Mountain area.
Two firefighters were killed while responding to a fire, and… pic.twitter.com/MuIkSeJhJx
Firefighters received the first report of a fire in the mountainside community at around 13:21 PST (20:21 UTC) on Sunday. Reports that they were being shot at emerged about 40 minutes later, said Sheriff Bob Norris.
One firefighter from the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department and another from the Kottenai County Fire and Rescue lost their lives, while the third firefighter was severely wounded but was in stable condition as of Sunday night.
More than 300 law enforcement officers from the city, county, state, and federal levels responded to the scene of the shooting, including two helicopters with snipers on board.
The firefighters were immediately shot at when they arrived at the scenepic.twitter.com/mRCYk5i8lz
— Volcaholic (@volcaholic1) June 29, 2025
The gunfire between authorities and the suspect armed with a rifle lasted for hours. Authorities managed to narrow down the location of the perpetrator based on cell phone data, and reportedly found the perpetrator’s body with a gun.
It remains unclear whether the suspect shot himself or was shot by an officer, according to Sheriff Norris. While the authorities did not release the perpetrator’s name or the weapon used, more guns are likely to be found in the area once the fire is fully extinguished.
The shooter used a high-powered sporting rifle to fire rapidly at first responders, with officers initially unsure of the number of perpetrators involved.
BREAKING: Sheriff Norris hopes that any officer who has a clear shot will "neutralize" the threat.
— The Kootenai Journal – Official (@_KootenaiJ_) June 30, 2025
2 firefighters dead, multiple injured in ambush attack on Canfield Mountain.
Number of suspects unknown.
Video from 4:45 p.m. June 29 inside the shelter in place zone near Trailhead pic.twitter.com/QYjbRdqSkk
Residents of Coeur d’Alene lined the highway on Sunday to honor two firefighters killed in an ambush while responding to a fire. The procession transporting the firefighters from Kootenai Health to Spokane, Washington, drew a large turnout from the community.
Canfield mountain burns in the background as the procession brings the body to the coroner.
— The Woolshire (@thewoolshire) June 30, 2025
A sobering day for our community. Praying for the souls of the firefighters and their families who lost them to this evil act.
May the Lord who is abundant in mercy pour out his grace… pic.twitter.com/p67rKK4V1u
The blaze the firefighters were responding to has scorched about 8 ha (20 acres) with no structures damaged, officials said. Residents were advised to be prepared “should further action need to be taken.”
Feature image credit: Kootenai County Fire and Rescue
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