Incident Overview (June 29):

Firefighters were ambushed on Canfield Mountain—about 4 miles north of downtown Coeur d’Alene—after responding to a brush fire around 1:20 p.m. MDT  .

Approximately half an hour later, “modern‑day sporting rifles” or “high‑powered rifles” were used in sniper-style attacks on first responders  .

Two people—believed to be fire personnel—were killed  .

Numerous responders were wounded, and civilians continued to evacuate; some may still be in shock, trapped, or injured

WHAT WE KNOW

• 2 first responders shot dead in a sniper ambush while tackling a brush fire in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.
• Shooter still active
• Scene too dangerous to fight fire
• FBI & ATF on site
• Civilians still on the mountain

Follow The Live Updates Here :

On Sunday, June 29, 2025, near Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, a gunman is believed to have intentionally started a brush fire on Canfield Mountain before ambushing firefighters responding to the blaze with a high-powered rifle  .

Two firefighters—one from the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department and another from Kootenai County Fire and Rescue—were killed in the attack, and a third was critically injured and taken to surgery  . The suspect was later found dead near the scene, though it has not been confirmed whether by self-inflicted gunshot or police action  .

Investigators believe this was a deliberate ambush: the fire was likely lit as bait for first responders  . The incident triggered a massive law enforcement response involving hundreds of officers, two sniper-equipped helicopters, and support from the FBI.

Joint investigation: Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office leads, with FBI, ATF, and U.S. Border Patrol tactical units assisting  .

Active Shooter Response: Authorities treated the situation as potentially active, issuing a shelter-in-place order that was later lifted  .

Motive still unknown: No public motive disclosed; the case remains under active investigation  .

Governor Brad Little condemned the attack as a “heinous direct assault on our brave firefighters” and urged public prayer for victims  .

The International Association of Fire Fighters praised the deceased responders, describing the act as “senseless violence”  .

Local residents and hikers were held at nearby trails or evacuated for safety during the standoff  .

What Happens Next

Investigative phase: Authorities will determine if additional perpetrators were involved and reconstruct the timeline of fire and shooting. Physical evidence and cell data remain under review  .

Public safety: Fire suppression continues on the hillside; officials are monitoring for further threats  .

Legal follow-up: No prosecutions possible for the deceased suspect, however federal or state agencies may still issue a full incident report.

This ambush is being called one of the most shocking attacks on first responders in recent memory. Legally, the case will end with deeper understanding of motive and accountability as investigations conclude. For communities and firefighters nationwide, this incident renews discussions on dangerous-target protocols and emergency responder training.

I’ll continue updating with new legal updates, incident reports, and local press briefings.