A shocking and heartbreaking attack unfolded outside Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, on Sunday when firefighters responding to a wildfire were ambushed by a sniper who had set the fire as a deadly trap.
The incident left two firefighters dead and another critically injured, as emergency teams faced an unimaginable nightmare in the line of duty.
Fire Set as a Lure for a Deadly Attack
Authorities revealed that the gunman deliberately started a fire on Canfield Mountain to draw first responders into the area—and then opened fire on them.
Kootenai County Sheriff Robert Norris explained that SWAT teams later found the shooter’s body near a firearm after tracking a cellphone signal in the vicinity.
The fire, first reported around early afternoon, quickly escalated into a dangerous ambush zone.
Firefighters working to assess the blaze were suddenly caught in the sniper’s crosshairs just after 2 pm.
First Responders Caught in a Deadly Ambush
Tragically, two firefighters—one from the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department and another from Kootenai County Fire & Rescue—were killed instantly in the attack.
A third firefighter was critically wounded but has since undergone surgery and is now in stable condition.
Sheriff Norris described the assault as “a total ambush” with no chance for the firefighters to defend themselves.
Terrifying Radio Chatter Reveals Chaos on the Ground
Harrowing audio from fire department radio communications revealed the panic as responders realized they were under attack.
One firefighter urgently called for law enforcement backup, warning that multiple battalion chiefs were down and that he was pinned down by gunfire.
The chilling messages underscored the confusion and danger: responders didn’t know where the sniper was or where he might strike next.
Evacuation orders and calls for additional ambulances filled the radio waves as teams struggled to stay safe.
Firefighters Forced to Retreat Amid Spreading Blaze
Northern Lakes Fire District Chief Pat Riley confirmed that no additional crews would be sent into the area until the threat was neutralized.
Meanwhile, the fire spread rapidly across about 20 acres, complicating rescue efforts and firefighting.
The Fernan Gun Club nearby was evacuated after members were warned of the active sniper.
Chief Riley expressed his heartbreak, noting that while firefighters train for emergencies, nothing prepares you for an attack like this in your own community.
Massive Law Enforcement Response and Ongoing Search
Authorities from Spokane, Washington, assisted local teams, describing the situation as an “active, ongoing incident.”
The FBI sent tactical teams, while the US Forest Service deployed extra firefighting and law enforcement resources.
Medical teams stood by at Kootenai Health ready to treat the wounded.
Sheriff Norris authorized law enforcement to use lethal force, deploying helicopters with snipers to try to end the siege.
He acknowledged the difficulty of the situation and that the gunman showed no signs of surrender.
Shooter Believed to Have Acted Alone, Investigation Continues
Based on bullet trajectories and recovered weapons, authorities believe the deceased gunman was the sole attacker.
While the suspect’s identity and motive remain unknown, investigators expect to uncover more weapons at the scene once it’s safe to return.
The ongoing wildfire and dry conditions are complicating investigation and firefighting efforts, with residents concerned about the rapidly spreading blaze.
Community and Leaders Respond with Grief and Support
Local resident Mark Lathrop expressed his worries about the fire’s potential to worsen due to dry underbrush and low rainfall.
Meanwhile, Idaho Governor Brad Little condemned the attack as a “heinous direct assault” on firefighters and called on residents to pray for the victims and their families.
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem also voiced her support on social media, urging prayers for Idaho’s first responders and promising that justice will be served.
