Idaho Firefighter Ambush: 2 Killed, Gunman Dead in Shocking Shooting Incident – Sheriff Confirms
Two people are dead after an ambush shooting targeting firefighters in Idaho. The suspected gunman was later found dead, according to the sheriff. Get the latest updates on this developing story
The suspected gunman who fatally ambushed firefighters in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, on Sunday has been found dead, according to the county’s sheriff.
Responding SWAT team members located a deceased male on Canfield Mountain with a firearm nearby, the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office said in an update Sunday evening.

This comes after an hourslong, multi-agency manhunt in the area.
The ambush on Sunday left two people dead and another injured, gunfire erupting as firefighters responded to a brush fire on the mountain.
Kootenai County Sheriff Robert Norris said during a press briefing that the two fatalities were fire personnel — one from the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department and the other from Kootenai County Fire Department.
“This was a total ambush,” Norris said. “These firefighters did not have a chance.”
The injured individual, who suffered a gunshot wound in the attack, was brought to the Kootenai Health Hospital, the medical center confirmed to ABC News.
The incident unfolded on Sunday afternoon, police said. Norris said the first report regarding the small brush fire was received at 1:21 p.m. Around 2 p.m., firefighters reported they were being shot at.
Some 300 law enforcement officers gathered at the scene, some of whom exchanged gunfire with the suspect, Norris said. Responding authorities received offers of help from the White House and FBI Director Kash Patel, the sheriff added.
At 6:30 p.m., those on the scene were told that the suspect should be neutralized as soon as possible. The notification that the suspect was dead was received at 7:40 p.m., Norris said. Law enforcement recovered the body before the fire spread to the spot, the sheriff said.
Based on the trajectory of fire and the weapon found close to the suspect’s body, Norris said officials believe there was only one shooter.
Law enforcement is investigating whether the fire could have been intentionally set in order to lure first responders to the scene, Kootenai County Sheriff’s Lt. Jeff Howard told ABC News.
The shelter-in-place order has been lifted for Canfield Mountain Trailhead and the surrounding area, but residents are advised to monitor for updates on the ongoing fire.
The FBI assisted authorities in Kootenai County, an agency spokesperson told ABC News.
Idaho Gov. Brad Little called the incident a “heinous direct assault on our brave firefighters.”
“Multiple heroic firefighters were attacked today while responding to a fire in North Idaho,” Little wrote in a post on X. “I ask all Idahoans to pray for them and their families as we wait to learn more,” he added.
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has been briefed on the shooting, a DHS official told ABC News.
ABC News’ Tristan Maglunog, Luke Barr, Pierre Thomas and Darren Reynolds contributed to this report.
COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho (June 29, 2025) – A shocking ambush targeting first responders unfolded on Sunday afternoon, leaving two firefighters dead and another critically injured. The incident occurred on Canfield Mountain, just north of Coeur d’Alene, a popular hiking and recreation area. Authorities say the fire was likely intentional, serving as a trap to lure firefighters into a sniper’s line of fire.

1:30 p.m. PDT: Fire crews respond to a reported brush fire on Canfield Mountain
~2:00 p.m.: Firefighters arrive on scene. Roughly 30 minutes later, a concealed shooter opens fire with a high-power rifle .
Through the afternoon: Emergency radio logs capture panicked cries as firefighters retreat. CNN sources report one saying, “This fire was intentionally to draw us in.”
Evening: A tactical SWAT team tracks the suspect—likely via cell‑phone signal—and locates a deceased male with a weapon. Officials believe he died by suicide, but are awaiting official autopsy results
Two firefighters killed: One from the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department, another from Kootenai County Fire & Rescue—both pronounced dead at the scene
A third firefighter injured: Seriously wounded, underwent surgery, and remains in stable condition at Kootenai Health medical center .
Identities withheld: Authorities have not released names or ages, respecting protocol and family privacy
Called it a “total ambush” and “heinous act of violence”, emphasizing the firefighters had no chance

Confirmed only one suspect was believed to be involved .
Said deputies were authorized to return fire, but the rugged terrain made locating the shooter extremely difficult .
Described the attacker’s vantage point: shrouded by trees and brush, using a high‑power rifle
Shelter‑in‑place orders issued and later lifted once the suspect was found deceased
FBI tactical and technical teams deployed to assist the sheriff’s office
The ATF, working out of Seattle and Portland, dispatched agents to investigate what appeared to be intentional arson tied to the ambush .
Aerial support included:
- A US Customs & Border Protection helicopter
- Two helicopters from Spokane County Sheriff
- At least one armored vehicle for ground operations
- Civilian Life Flight Network helicopters on standby
Canfield Mountain Natural Area, spanning roughly 20–24 acres, lies about 4‑5 miles north of Coeur d’Alene—a city of ~60,000 near the Washington border
The area features dense brush, rugged trees, hiking trails, and challenging visibility, offering clear cover for a sniper
Governor Brad Little condemned the incident on platform X (formerly Twitter) as a “heinous direct assault on our brave firefighters,” asking Idahoans to pray for the victims and their families
The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) echoed the sentiment, calling it a “heinous act of violence” and asking for prayers for the aftermath
Authorities believe the fire was intentionally set to bait first responders. They’re studying whether the 911 call came from the suspect
The suspect’s body is undergoing forensic examination to confirm time and method of death (e.g., self-inflicted)
The rifle found near the suspect will undergo ballistic testing to verify it was used in the ambush
Investigators remain open to the possibility of additional suspects, though current evidence suggests a single shooter
This attack draws chilling parallels to past ambush-style assaults, such as the 2012 Webster, NY, firefighter ambush involving arson and sniper tactics
It underscores a growing trend of violence against first responders—professionals risking their lives for public safety.
Some experts now call for:
- Enhanced firefighter training in hostile environments
- Improved real-time threat intelligence
- Legislative protections recognizing violence against first responders as particularly egregious
Local gatherings & vigils took place on overpasses as the community grieved the fallen firefighters
A funeral procession was held toward Spokane, WA, drawing public tribute from residents .
Public advisories remain in place advising residents and hikers to avoid the secured area amid ongoing fire containment efforts and investigations
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