Two Firefighters Killed in Idaho Ambush Shooting

Canfield Mountain in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, Sunday, June 29, 2025.”/>

Police and fire crews respond to a shooting and fire on Canfield Mountain in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, Sunday, June 29, 2025.
Kathy Plonka/the Spokesman Review/AP

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Kathy Plonka/The Spokesman Review/AP

In Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, a tragic incident unfolded on Sunday, June 29, 2025, when two firefighters were fatally shot and a third was injured while responding to a wildfire on Canfield Mountain. According to local authorities, the suspected shooter, who is believed to have intentionally started the fire, was found dead on the mountain.

The Kootenai County Sheriff, bob Norris, confirmed that the deceased individual found on Canfield Mountain is believed to be the sole suspect in the deadly ambush. A weapon was discovered near the body.

intentional Ambush on Firefighters

Sheriff Norris emphasized that the authorities believe the shooting was a deliberate act. “We do believe the suspect started the fire, it was an ambush and it was totally intentional,” Norris stated. “This was a total ambush. These firefighters did not have a chance.”

Did You Know? According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), there were 67,700 firefighter injuries in the line of duty in 2022. Acts of violence against firefighters, while rare, are a serious concern ^[1].

Norris reassured the community that there is no ongoing threat. “Based on the preliminary inquiry, we believe that is the only shooter on the mountain at that time. There is no threat to the community at this time.” Earlier in the day,a shelter-in-place order had been issued but was later lifted.

Timeline of the Idaho Shooting

Sheriff Norris outlined the timeline of events during a press conference Sunday evening, noting that a cell phone signal ultimately led authorities to the suspect’s body:

• 1:21 p.m. local time: Initial reports of a wildfire on Canfield Mountain.
• 2:00 p.m.: Firefighters reported coming under gunfire.
• Approximately 3:15 p.m.: Authorities detected an active cell phone signal on the mountain.
• Roughly 4:45 p.m.: The body of the person believed to be the shooting suspect was discovered.

authorities have not released information regarding the identity of the deceased suspect or a possible motive for the shootings. It remains unclear whether the suspect died by suicide.

“We believe that there was only 1 shooter, based on weapons found, type of injuries incurred from that weapon,” Norris said.

Investigators do not believe the shooting suspect was the individual who initially reported the fire via a 911 call.

Norris noted that the suspect appeared to have been moving and firing during the attack. He also stated that firefighters are not trained to respond to ambush situations.

“This is a situation where a lot of people in this room haven’t processed this,” Norris added.

Idaho Gov.Brad Little condemned the attack, stating that firefighters were “attacked while responding to a fire in North Idaho.” He described it as a “heinous direct assault on our brave firefighters” in a post on X.

The investigation is scheduled to resume Monday morning, with the possibility of additional weapons being discovered. The sheriff acknowledged that the crime scene has been compromised by the fire, but the priority was to recover the body for further investigation. “We had to do what we had to do to preserve the body.”

Firefighter Fatalities: A Statistical Overview

Firefighting remains a perilous profession. Here’s a look at recent data on firefighter fatalities:

Pro Tip: Support local fire departments by donating to organizations that provide equipment and training.

The data highlights the inherent risks faced by firefighters every day. While the Idaho shooting is an extreme case, it underscores the need for continued support and resources for these essential public servants.

What measures can be implemented to better protect firefighters from targeted violence? How can communities show their support for the sacrifices made by these brave individuals?