A tragic and shocking incident unfolded in northern Idaho as firefighters responding to a brush fire on Canfield Mountain near Coeur d’Alene were ambushed by gunfire on Sunday, June 29, 2025. Authorities report that two firefighters were killed and a third is hospitalized in stable condition after undergoing surgery. The suspected gunman was later found dead on the mountain, bringing a tense hours-long manhunt to a close. This attack marks a rare and devastating assault on first responders in the region, prompting widespread concern and a swift law enforcement response.
Key Details and Timeline of the Attack
The incident began around 1:21 p.m. local time, when emergency crews were dispatched to a reported brush fire on Canfield Mountain. As firefighters arrived and began their work, they came under sniper fire from an unknown assailant using a high-powered sporting rifle. The gunman’s attack forced fire crews to retreat, leaving the brush fire uncontrolled and posing an ongoing risk to the community.
Kootenai County Sheriff Robert Norris stated that the suspect likely set the fire intentionally to lure first responders into an ambush. Over 300 law enforcement officers responded to the scene, engaging in an exchange of gunfire with the suspect. The White House and FBI were briefed, and federal agents provided tactical support during the operation.
By 7:40 p.m., law enforcement located a deceased male with a firearm near the scene. Authorities believe he was the sole shooter and that there is no longer an ongoing threat to the public. The shelter-in-place order for residents near Canfield Mountain Trailhead and East Nettleton Gulch Road was lifted shortly after the suspect was found.
Community Response and Ongoing Investigation
The attack has deeply shaken the close-knit community of Coeur d’Alene, a city of about 56,000 residents near the Washington state border. Local leaders, including Idaho Governor Brad Little, have condemned the violence as a “heinous direct assault on our brave firefighters.” Both the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department and Kootenai County Fire and Rescue lost members in the attack, and a third firefighter remains in recovery.
Residents described the incident as unprecedented for the area. “This has never occurred here,” said Linda Tiger, an 80-year-old local who has lived in Coeur d’Alene for nearly thirty years. The tragedy has highlighted broader concerns about the safety of first responders and the mental health challenges that can lead to such acts of violence.
Law enforcement continues to investigate the motive behind the attack and the identity of the deceased suspect. Officials have not released further details about the weapon used or the suspect’s background. The community is urged to remain vigilant and to support ongoing emergency operations as crews work to control the brush fire and ensure public safety.
Key Point Summary
- Two firefighters killed, one injured in sniper ambush on Canfield Mountain, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.
- Suspect believed to have set fire intentionally to lure responders; found dead on mountain with firearm.
- Over 300 officers responded; FBI and federal agencies provided support.
- Shelter-in-place order lifted after suspect neutralized; no ongoing threat to public.
- Community and state leaders express shock and offer condolences to victims’ families.
- Investigation into motive and suspect’s identity remains ongoing.
Stay Informed and Support First Responders
As authorities continue to piece together the events surrounding the attack on Idaho firefighters in Coeur d’Alene, residents are encouraged to stay updated through official channels and to keep the victims and their families in their thoughts. This tragic event serves as a reminder of the risks faced by first responders and the importance of community solidarity in times of crisis.