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Two firefighters have been killed and a third injured in what authorities have described as a deliberate ambush in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. The incident began when a lone gunman started a fire on Canfield Mountain, luring emergency responders to the scene before opening fire with a high-powered sporting rifle.
The attack occurred on Sunday afternoon, with the first report of a fire received at around 1:21 PM local time. Approximately 40 minutes later, reports emerged of shots being fired at firefighters. Sheriff Bob Norris described the situation as a "total ambush," stating that the firefighters "did not have a chance." One firefighter from Coeur d'Alene and another from Kootenai County Fire and Rescue were killed, while a third remains in stable condition.
Over 300 law enforcement officers, supported by helicopters equipped with snipers and heat-seeking technology, responded to the scene. The suspect, whose identity has not been disclosed, was found deceased near the attack site, though it remains unclear whether he took his own life or was killed by police. The fire, which grew to 20 acres, continued to burn into Sunday night, complicating efforts to search the area.
Sheriff Norris confirmed the suspect acted alone, dispelling earlier concerns of multiple gunmen. Investigators believe the shooter may have stashed weapons in various locations while moving and firing. A shelter-in-place order was lifted after seven hours.
Edward Kelly, president of the International Association of Fire Fighters, expressed grief over the loss of two union members, calling the attack a "heinous act of violence." Local fire chief Pat Riley said he was "heartbroken" by the incident.
The shooting has shocked the community of Coeur d'Alene, a city of about 56,000 near the Washington state border. Resident Linda Tiger, 80, told the BBC, "This has never happened here. It goes to show that no one is safe from this kind of mental sadness."
The motive for the attack remains unknown, and authorities are continuing their investigation as they await the fire's containment to recover additional evidence.
