On June 29, 2025, two Idaho firefighters were fatally shot and a third was injured when suspected sniper(s) ambushed emergency responders on Canfield Mountain, near Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, according to multiple reports. The assailant(s) allegedly set a brush fire to lure firefighters into a deadly trap.This tragic event of the 2 firefighters shot in Idaho incident led to expanded shelter-in-place directives in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and a multi-agency manhunt is underway.
Idaho Firefighters Shot During Fire Response
On June 29, 2025, Northern Lakes Fire Protection District crews responded to reports of a small wildfire on Canfield Mountain near East Nettleton Gulch Road, Coeur d’Alene. As firefighters approached the scene, they were ambushed by active shooter(s) firing sniper-style shots. Kootenai County Sheriff Robert Norris confirmed that at least two firefighters were shot and killed, with a third critically wounded and undergoing surgery.
Sheriff Norris described the ongoing threat that forced crews to retreat, stating that officers were “taking sniper fire” from at least one direction, likely using modern-day sporting rifles.
Active Response
Authorities immediately established shelter-in-place restrictions for residents south of Hayden Lake Road and east of 15th Street, particularly those near the Canfield Mountain Trailhead. Multiple law enforcement agencies—including local SWAT, Idaho State Police, and the FBI—are now coordinating to neutralize the threat.
Shooter Neutralized, Shelter-in-Place Lifted
Late Sunday evening, SWAT units located a male suspect’s body on the hillside of Canfield Mountain along with a firearm. Authorities have not released the identity of the individual or the type of firearm found. With the discovery of the suspect, the shelter-in-place orders were officially lifted.
Despite the threat being neutralized, the blaze continues to burn within the restricted area. Authorities caution that fire suppression efforts remain paused until law enforcement ensures the scene is fully secured.
Community Impact
The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) confirmed that two of its members were shot and killed while the third member remains hospitalized. IAFF expressed profound sorrow, stating the crew was “ambushed in a heinous act of violence”.
Fire Chief Pat Riley of Northern Lakes Fire District shared his shock:
“My immediate reaction was completely heartbroken. We trained for this. You never want to see it in your own community.”
Governor Brad Little also released a statement via X, saying, “Multiple heroic firefighters were attacked today… This is a heinous direct assault on our brave firefighters. I ask all Idahoans to pray for them and their families.”
Active Fire Continues Raging
Despite the shooting, the brush fire continues to burn on Canfield Mountain. Fire suppression efforts remain paused until law enforcement deems the scene safe. Deputies believe the fire was intentional, set to ambush first responders.
Multiple jurisdictions are assisting in the area, and the FBI has dispatched tactical and operational support personnel. Hikers and local residents were reported stranded during the incident.
Chronology Timeline of the Idaho Shooting
1:20–1:30 p.m. – Fire crews from Northern Lakes Fire District were dispatched to a brush fire on the east side of Canfield Mountain .
~2 p.m. – Gunfire erupted. Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris confirmed that multiple firefighters were under sniper fire, describing the situation as an active shooter in advanced mountain terrain.
4:30 p.m. – Sheriff Norris confirmed two fatalities and at least one injury among fire personnel; SWAT teams engaged amid ongoing gunfire.
Evening – A shelter-in-place order for parts of Coeur d’Alene was lifted after authorities discovered a deceased man with a firearm near the scene. The Southern states’ emergency response teams assembled for escorting fallen firefighters to Spokane.
