Two Firefighters Killed, One Injured After Ambush During North Idaho Wildfire Response
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Two firefighters in Idaho are dead, and another is recovering after an ambush Sunday afternoon on Canfield Mountain, where crews had responded to a reported brush fire only to come under gunfire.
The attack, described by authorities as an “intentional ambush,” began shortly after 1:30 p.m. when firefighters from Kootenai County Fire and Rescue and the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department rushed to the east side of Canfield Mountain to battle the Nettleton Gulch Fire.
Within minutes of their arrival, a shooter opened fire, leaving two firefighters dead at the scene and a third seriously wounded.
“All evidence indicates this was a deliberate act,” Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris said during a press conference late Sunday. “We believe the suspect started the fire to lure responders and then attacked them. It was totally intentional.”
The identities of the firefighters have not yet been released. Sheriff Norris confirmed that one of the deceased served with Kootenai County Fire and Rescue, and the other with the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department.
The wounded firefighter, also from Coeur d’Alene, underwent surgery and is said to be in stable condition but “fighting for his life.”
Suspect Found Dead
As law enforcement and SWAT teams scoured the mountain, a man armed with a rifle was found dead near the scene several hours later. It remains unclear if the suspect died by suicide or was killed by police return fire. An autopsy is scheduled to determine the exact cause of death.
Authorities say nearly 300 officers from across Idaho and neighboring Montana responded to the emergency, which also forced firefighters to withdraw and left the wildfire burning unchecked for several hours.
By Sunday night, crews estimated the blaze had grown to between 15 and 20 acres, fueled by steep terrain and numerous snags.
The area was declared a no-fly zone, including for drones, to protect ongoing firefighting and investigative efforts.
Community Reeling After ‘Senseless and Tragic’ Attack
Local officials expressed shock and heartbreak over the violence. “June 29, 2025, is a day we will not forget,” said Kootenai County Commission Chairman Bruce Mattare.
“This is the day evil showed its face and we lost two outstanding professionals. This kind of violence is unheard of here and does not reflect the community of Coeur d’Alene.”
Governor Brad Little called the attack “a heinous direct assault on our brave firefighters,” urging Idahoans to pray for the victims and their families.
Across social media, lawmakers and emergency response leaders echoed their condolences and pleaded with the public to avoid the area while investigations continue.
Fire Response, Investigation Continue
Fire crews resumed efforts to control the Nettleton Gulch Fire after law enforcement secured the area around 7:30 p.m. Additional resources, including aircraft, heavy equipment, and specialized crews, are expected to join the fight.
The Idaho Department of Lands is investigating the origin of the fire, which authorities suspect was deliberately set as part of the ambush.
Officials in Idaho also warned residents to be wary of potential scams, as fraudulent fundraising campaigns often follow tragedies of this nature. Donations to support the victims’ families should only be made through verified channels.
As Coeur d’Alene begins to mourn, the focus shifts to healing, a process that will require both answers and support for those who risked everything to protect their community.
