IDAHO – Authorities in northwest Idaho are investigating a deadly ambush in which a lone gunman allegedly started a wildfire and then opened fire on the firefighters who responded. The attack, which occurred on Sunday, resulted in the deaths of two firefighters and left a third seriously injured.
Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris described the attack as a deliberate and calculated act. Speaking at a press conference, Norris said the surviving firefighter remains in stable condition but is “fighting for his life” at Kootenai Health in Coeur d’Alene, located about 30 miles east of Spokane, Washington.
Officials believe the shooter intentionally set the fire to lure emergency responders to the area. “This was a total ambush. These firefighters did not have a chance,” said Norris. The suspect, whose identity has not been released, was later found dead on Canfield Mountain with a firearm nearby. While police did exchange gunfire with the suspect, it remains unclear whether he was killed by officers or died by suicide.
The Idaho State Police are now handling the investigation into the shootout, while the local coroner will determine the official cause of the suspect’s death. Authorities have not yet determined a motive for the attack.
The two fallen firefighters were affiliated with local departments—one with the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department and the other with Kootenai County Fire and Rescue. Both died en route to Kootenai Health after being shot. Their names have not been publicly released.
The incident began around 1:21 p.m. on Sunday, June 29, when fire crews responded to reports of a brush fire on Canfield Mountain, near Coeur d’Alene. The fire eventually spread to approximately 20 acres overnight. By 2 p.m., firefighters reported they were under gunfire.
Bruce Mattare, chairman of the Kootenai County Board of Commissioners, expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy. “June 29, 2025, is a day we will not forget. It is the day evil showed his face, and we lost two outstanding professionals of the highest quality,” he said. Mattare added that such violence is “unheard of” in the local community and called the act senseless.
Edward A. Kelly, president of the International Association of Fire Fighters, posted a message on X (formerly Twitter) condemning the killings. He referred to the attack as a “heinous act of violence” and said the firefighters were killed by a sniper.
At the peak of the manhunt, about 300 law enforcement officers from various agencies participated in the search for the shooter. A temporary shelter-in-place order was issued amid concerns there might be a second gunman. That order was lifted after officials confirmed there was only one suspect involved.
In honor of the fallen firefighters, emergency responders organized a memorial vehicle procession through the area. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities seek to understand why this deadly ambush occurred.