Idaho Ambush Kills Two Firefighters, One Injured/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Two Idaho firefighters were killed and another seriously injured when an ambush erupted during a wildfire response near Coeur d’Alene. Authorities believe the fire was deliberately set to lure first responders into a deadly trap. The gunman was later found dead, and the investigation continues.
Quick Look
- Firefighters ambushed responding to brush fire in Idaho
- Two firefighters dead, one critically injured in shooting
- Suspect found dead; motive under investigation
- Authorities say fire set intentionally as deadly lure
- Victims’ names and suspect identity not yet released
- Crime scene complicated by ongoing wildfire
- Community mourns fallen firefighters with solemn procession
Idaho Ambush Kills Two Firefighters, Leaves One Critically Hurt
Deep Look
BOISE, Idaho — A wildfire response near Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, turned deadly Sunday when firefighters were ambushed by gunfire, leaving two dead and one seriously wounded in what authorities believe was a planned attack.
Fire Lured First Responders Into Deadly Trap
According to Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris, crews initially answered a call for a brush fire on Canfield Mountain, a popular hiking and biking area on the town’s edge. But as firefighters arrived, shots rang out.
“The fire was intentionally set to lure them in,” Norris said. “These firefighters did not have a chance.”
Law enforcement swiftly locked down neighborhoods surrounding the mountain and began searching the rugged terrain, which was thick with brush, trees, and smoke.
Chaos, Uncertainty Amid Gunfire
For hours, confusion clouded the emergency response. Authorities didn’t know whether other hikers were trapped on the mountain or if additional civilians were injured. Officers exchanged gunfire with the assailant amid the chaos.
“We don’t know how many suspects are up there, and we don’t know how many casualties there are,” Norris said during a tense afternoon press conference. “We are actively taking sniper fire as we speak.”
By evening, Kootenai Health confirmed three people had been taken to the hospital. Two firefighters were pronounced dead upon arrival, while a third underwent surgery and remained in critical condition.
The fallen included one firefighter from the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department and another from Kootenai County Fire and Rescue.
Cellphone Data Leads Police to Suspect
With over 17,000 square feet of wilderness to search, investigators turned to technology. Cellphone data pinpointed a stationary signal near the fire zone around 3:15 p.m.
A tactical team advanced to the signal’s location and discovered a man dead with a weapon nearby. Authorities believe he was the lone shooter.
“The suspect acted alone,” Norris confirmed.
Fire Threatened Crime Scene
The wildfire continued to complicate efforts. Flames threatened the suspect’s remains, forcing officers to remove the body quickly to preserve evidence.
Authorities expect to find additional weapons or evidence once the scene can be fully examined.
Identities Withheld
Officials have not publicly released the names of the deceased or injured firefighters, nor the suspect’s identity, pending confirmation and notification of families.
Late Sunday, a solemn procession of fire and police vehicles accompanied the fallen firefighters’ bodies from Coeur d’Alene Hospital to the medical examiner’s office in Spokane, Washington.
The investigation remains ongoing as officials piece together the motive behind the violent ambush.
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