At least two people have been killed and several others injured in a shocking ambush on firefighters responding to a wildfire in Idaho on Sunday, June 29.
The situation, which remains active, unfolded when gunmen opened fire on the first responders in what authorities suspect may have been an intentional trap.
The Ambush on Firefighters
The incident occurred around 1:30 p.m. local time when Kootenai County firefighters were responding to a brush fire on Canfield Mountain in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, about 30 miles from Spokane, Washington.
The firefighters were working to control the blaze when, roughly 30 minutes later, a shooter, or possibly multiple gunmen, opened fire on them using “modern-day sporting rifles,” according to Kootenai County Sheriff Robert Norris.
As of 5:00 p.m. that same day, law enforcement officials reported that they were still under “sniper fire.” Investigators have not confirmed the number of shooters but indicated that bullets appeared to be coming from multiple directions. Authorities have not yet disclosed a clear motive for the attack, and the wildfire continues to burn.
The Ongoing Threat
Sheriff Norris confirmed that the situation remains very tense, with law enforcement officials continuing to take fire from the gunmen. Lt. Jeff Howard from the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office suggested that the fire may have been intentionally set to lure emergency responders into the area, making them vulnerable to attack.
“We don’t know if there’s one, two, three or four [shooters],” Sheriff Norris said in a press briefing. “We will neutralize this threat.” As the operation continues, officials have warned that it could evolve into a “multi-day operation” as they work to bring the situation under control.
Casualties and Impact on First Responders
The shooting has already claimed the lives of two firefighters, according to Edward A. Kelly, president of the International Association of Fire Fighters. A third firefighter is reportedly undergoing surgery, with authorities confirming that an unknown number of people are injured.
In addition, hikers and local residents on the mountain remain trapped or stranded as the shooting continues. Authorities are scrambling to ensure the safety of civilians still on the mountain and are urging people to avoid the area.
“This is a very, very fresh situation,” Sheriff Norris said. “We still have civilians that are coming off of that mountain. We might have civilians that are stuck or in shock on that mountain.”
Law Enforcement and FBI Involvement
The FBI has mobilized to provide tactical and operational support to local law enforcement. FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino announced on social media that agents were en route to assist local authorities in neutralizing the threat and ensuring the safety of the area.
Political and Community Response
The ambush has sparked widespread condemnation from local and state officials. Idaho Governor Brad Little expressed his outrage, calling the shooting a “heinous direct assault on our brave firefighters.” He offered condolences to the victims’ families and urged Idahoans to pray for the affected families.
“I ask all Idahoans to pray for them and their families as we wait to learn more,” Governor Little said in a social media post. “Teresa and I are heartbroken. As this situation is still developing, please stay clear from the area to allow law enforcement and firefighters to do their jobs.”
The Fire and Its Location
The fire, and subsequent shooting, took place in the Canfield Mountain Natural Area, a popular public park on the east side of Coeur d’Alene. The area features hiking trails and heavy brush, which provided cover for the attackers.
In response to the ongoing danger, the sheriff’s office has issued a shelter-in-place warning for areas south of Hayden Lake Road and east of 15th Street in Coeur d’Alene.
The situation remains dire as authorities continue to deal with an active threat and a devastating attack on emergency responders. The community and state are in shock, and officials are working tirelessly to ensure the safety of civilians while neutralizing the gunmen.
This tragic event highlights the dangers that first responders face daily, even when responding to natural disasters like wildfires.
