Two people have been killed after a gunman deliberately set a fire and ambushed responding firefighters in Idaho, authorities say.
The Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office said firefighters were responding to a brush fire at Canfield Mountain in Coeur d'Alene on Sunday afternoon when they were attacked by a sniper.
The first shots were fired around half-an-hour after first responders attended the scene, about 2 p.m. local time, sparking calls for help.
Highlights
- Two firefighters were killed and a third critically injured after a sniper ambushed them during a wildfire response in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.
- The shooter deliberately started the brush fire to lure firefighters into an ambush, acting alone according to authorities.
- About 300 law enforcement officers responded to the tense scene; the suspect was found dead with a weapon nearby.
- Local residents were ordered to shelter in place, and a no-fly zone was established during the ongoing investigation.
- A solemn procession honored the fallen firefighters, with officials and community leaders mourning the tragic loss.
Two firefighters were killed and another was seriously injured in Idaho
Image credits: Kootenai County Sheriff's Office
“Everybody’s shot up here ... send law enforcement now,” one dispatch said, according to AP.
Two firefighters were killed, and a third was seriously injured.
A shelter-in-place order was sent to local residents, and the area was designated a no-fly zone as authorities responded to the incident.
The FBI was among the authorities to respond and provided “tactical and operational support,” director Dan Bongino confirmed.
Sheriff Bob Norris said the gunman is believed to have acted alone and was found dead with a weapon nearby after officers managed to trace his cell phone after 7:30 p.m.
There was a long and tense standoff at the scene, with about 300 law enforcement officers present, Norris said.
“We do believe that the suspect started the fire, and we do believe that it was an ambush, and it was intentional,” Norris said at a press conference.
Image credits: Kootenai County Sheriff's Office
“These firefighters did not have a chance.”
“We believe that is the only shooter that was on that mountain at that time,” Norris added.
“There is no threat to the community at this time.”
Norris said, as of right now, police do not believe the shooter made the 911 call reporting the fire.
Due to the blaze, officers were not able to protect the scene, but believe more weapons may be found when they can safely access the trail.
Police believe there was only one shooter involved in the incident
One of the firefighters killed was from the Coeur d'Alene Fire Department, and the other was from Kootenai County Fire and Rescue.
A third firefighter has undergone surgery and is “fighting for his life,” but is currently believed to be in a stable condition.
There was a procession for the two firefighters killed in the line of duty.
“It hasn’t sunk in yet. This is a situation where I don’t even think a lot of us in this room have processed this,” Norris said.
“This community supports firefighters and law enforcement.”
Idaho Governor Brad Little said on X: “Multiple heroic firefighters were attacked today while responding to a fire in North Idaho.”
“This is a heinous direct assault on our brave firefighters. I ask all Idahoans to pray for them and their families as we wait to learn more. Teresa and I are heartbroken.”
“While responding to a fire earlier today in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, IAFF members were ambushed in a heinous act of violence, the International Association of Fire Fighters said.
“Two of our brothers were killed by a sniper, and a third brother remains in surgery. Please keep them, their families, and law enforcement in your prayers.”