Two firefighters lost their lives and a third was critically injured in what officials are describing as a deliberate ambush during a wildfire response on Canfield Mountain Sunday afternoon.
Authorities say emergency crews were dispatched around 1:30 p.m. to reports of a brush fire. Within half an hour, firefighters signaled over the radio that they were under gunfire, prompting an immediate response from the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office and nearby law enforcement agencies.
According to Kootenai County Sheriff Robert Norris, law enforcement officers engaged in a shootout with the suspect on the mountain. The individual was later found deceased with a firearm nearby. SWAT teams retrieved the body as the wildfire advanced across the area.
Preliminary findings suggest the fire may have been deliberately ignited to lure emergency responders into the area. “This was a total ambush. These firefighters didn’t have a chance,” Sheriff Norris said during a press briefing Sunday evening.
The fallen firefighters include one from Coeur d’Alene and another from Kootenai County. A third, also from Coeur d’Alene, is hospitalized and reportedly in stable condition. Officials have not yet released the names of the victims, pending notification of families.
Sheriff Norris noted that roughly 300 law enforcement personnel responded to the unfolding situation, initially treating it as an active shooter event. Local residents were advised to shelter in place, though all lockdown orders have since been lifted.
The wildfire itself continues to pose a threat. As of the latest update, the blaze had spread across approximately 20 acres. Fire crews remain on the scene, and authorities are urging residents in the vicinity to stay alert in case conditions worsen.
The FBI has joined the investigation, which officials say could be extensive due to the complex and violent nature of the incident.
Northern Lakes Fire Protection Chief Pat Riley shared the emotional toll the tragedy has taken on the community and his department. “My immediate reaction was completely heartbroken. We train for scenarios like this, but you never expect it to happen in your own community,” Riley said.
Idaho Governor Brad Little addressed the attack via social media, calling it a “heinous direct assault” on first responders. “Multiple heroic firefighters were attacked today while responding to a fire in North Idaho. This is a heinous direct assault on our brave firefighters. I ask all Idahoans to pray for them and their families. Teresa and I are heartbroken,” the governor wrote.
As investigators work to determine the full scope of the incident, state and federal authorities are expected to remain active in the area in the coming days.
