A tragic incident unfolded in a northern Idaho mountain community on Sunday when a man armed with a rifle ignited a wildfire and subsequently opened fire on first responders, resulting in the death of two firefighters and injury to another. The suspect’s body was later discovered in a nearby wooded area, with a firearm in close proximity, as the fire rapidly advanced, according to Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris. The identity of the suspect and the type of firearm used were not disclosed by officials.
Sheriff Norris stated at a Sunday night press conference that the suspect is believed to have intentionally started the fire and set up an ambush for the firefighters. The incident began around 1:30 p.m. when crews responded to a fire at Canfield Mountain, just north of Coeur d’Alene. Approximately half an hour later, reports of gunfire were received.
The suspect is believed to have acted alone, according to investigators. The three victims were transported to Kootenai Health, where two were pronounced dead upon arrival. The third firefighter underwent surgery and is currently in stable condition, fighting for his life, as per hospital spokesperson Kim Anderson.
The scene was chaotic as the brush fire raged and firefighters, rushing to the scene, came under heavy gunfire. Urgent calls for backup were made by first responders over their radios. Governor Brad Little referred to the incident as a “heinous direct assault” on the firefighters and urged Idahoans to pray for them and their families.
The suspect was reportedly hiding in the rugged terrain, using a high-powered rifle. Sheriff Norris instructed deputies to return fire. A procession of fire and law enforcement vehicles escorted the bodies of the fallen firefighters to Spokane, Washington, where they were saluted by fellow firefighters and others.
Residents were advised to avoid the area around Canfield Mountain Trailhead and Nettleton Gulch Road, about 4 miles north of downtown Coeur d’Alene, by the Kootenai County Emergency Management Office. Although a shelter-in-place order was lifted, residents were warned that the fire was still active.
The FBI provided technical and tactical support at the scene, according to Deputy Director Dan Bongino. The Idaho House Republican Leadership expressed their horror at the murder of the two firefighters and shock at the vicious attack on first responders in a statement.
Coeur d’Alene, a city of 55,000 residents near the Washington border, is home to Canfield Mountain, a popular hiking and biking area. The region is always at high risk for fires, according to local resident Bruce Deming. Upon noticing smoke on Sunday afternoon, he was puzzled by the absence of firefighting helicopters, only to later learn about the shooting incident.