Firefighters Killed in Idaho Ambush

Written by: Keya Gambhir

A horrifying ambush on Sunday, June 29, 2025, left two firefighters dead and one injured in Idaho’s panhandle after a gunman deliberately started a wildfire and opened fire on the first responders who arrived at the scene. The attack took place on Canfield Mountain, located on the northeastern edge of Coeur d’Alene, a popular area for hikers and bikers.

Law enforcement officials said the gunman, who acted alone, appeared to have planned the incident in advance, setting a trap for firefighters. The blaze was reported around 1:21 p.m., and fire crews were dispatched to conduct reconnaissance. About 40 minutes later, those on scene began urgently calling for help. According to Sheriff Robert Norris of Kootenai County, one firefighter told dispatch that they were under fire and that it appeared the fire had been intentionally set to lure them in.

In distressing radio transmissions posted to Broadcastify, a firefighter can be heard reporting that two team members were shot and that they were taking cover behind a rig. "This was a total ambush," Sheriff Norris said during a news conference Sunday night. "These firefighters did not have a chance."

As the fire continued to spread and gunshots rang out, over 300 officers from local, state, and federal agencies including the FBI were deployed to the area. Hikers and mountain bikers who had been in the area at the time were also forced to flee. Sheriff Norris confirmed that the area includes both public and private land with a rugged trail system frequently used by outdoor enthusiasts.

By evening, authorities were able to locate the suspected shooter using cellphone data. His body was found near the origin of the fire with a firearm nearby. Because of the growing wildfire, officers had to quickly move the body to safety. Officials have not publicly identified the suspect or confirmed how he died, though they believe he acted alone and was not the person who called to report the fire.

The two firefighters killed in the attack have not yet been identified, pending notification of their families. One worked for the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department and the other for Kootenai County Fire and Rescue. A third firefighter from Kootenai County was critically injured but is now in stable condition after undergoing emergency surgery.

The motive behind the attack remains unclear, and officials are still investigating whether the suspect had a history of violence, mental health issues, or personal grievances. Sheriff Norris described the scene as extremely dangerous and chaotic, with the added challenge of fighting a fire under the threat of sniper fire.

The Canfield Mountain area is typically considered safe and quiet, which has left many residents and outdoor lovers in shock. Graham Christensen, past president of the Lake City Trail Alliance, said he could not recall a naturally occurring wildfire in that area for over two decades. "Everybody feels comfortable up there," he said. "This attack is a complete shock."

Brian Hadley, a local mountain biker, was riding near the area when he got a call from a neighbor warning him about the fire. As he turned back down the mountain, he said he heard three gunshots in quick succession. "It’s heartbreaking," he said. Later that evening, he could still see smoke from the fire hovering above his home, a stark reminder of both the violence and the wildfire risk in the region.

The size of the wildfire has not yet been disclosed, though authorities confirmed that dry conditions had made it easier for the fire to spread. Idaho Governor Brad Little condemned the attack, calling it a heinous act and a direct assault on the state’s brave first responders. He ordered flags to be flown at half staff in honor of the fallen firefighters.

"This is a devastating loss for our community," the governor said. "These individuals answered the call to protect lives and property, and they paid the ultimate price."

Investigators say more information will be released in the coming days as they learn more about the shooter, the planning behind the ambush, and the circumstances surrounding the fire. For now, Coeur d’Alene and surrounding communities are mourning the loss of two public servants whose only goal was to help others.