BOISE, Idaho — A tragic event unfolded in northern Idaho on Sunday. A man armed with a rifle started a wildfire, then opened fire on firefighters who came to help. Two firefighters were killed, and another was seriously hurt.
The attack happened near Canfield Mountain, just north of Coeur d’Alene. First responders arrived around 1:30 p.m. to fight the fire. About 30 minutes later, gunshots were reported.
Authorities say the gunman acted alone and planned the attack.
“We believe the fire was set on purpose. It was an ambush,” said Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris. “These firefighters didn’t have a chance.”
The shooter fired multiple times over several hours. A shelter-in-place order was issued for nearby residents.
Later that evening, a tactical team used the suspect’s cell phone data to track him. They found his body in a wooded area as flames approached. A firearm was discovered nearby. Officials have not released his name or the type of gun used.
“We believe he was the only shooter on that mountain,” said Sheriff Norris.
What We Know So Far
Location: Canfield Mountain, near Coeur d’Alene, IdahoTime: Fire started around 1:30 p.m. Sunday
Incident: Gunman opened fire on arriving firefighters
Casualties:
- 2 firefighters killed
- 1 firefighter wounded
- Suspect: Found dead with firearm nearby
- Motive: Believed to be intentional and planned ambush
This heartbreaking event has shaken the Idaho firefighting and first responder community. More details are expected as the investigation continues.
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