Idaho firefighters killed in Coeur d’Alene ambush; police under sniper fire on Canfield Mountain

Sniper fire targets Idaho law enforcement during brush fire response

Two individuals believed to be firefighters were fatally shot on Sunday, June 29, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, as emergency personnel responded to a brush fire on Canfield Mountain. Kootenai County Sheriff Robert Norris confirmed that law enforcement officers came under sniper fire, with bullets reportedly coming from multiple directions.

“We are actively taking sniper fire as we speak,” said Sheriff Norris, adding, “We don’t know if there’s one, two, three or four” shooters. The incident occurred about four miles north of central Coeur d’Alene, a city of roughly 56,000 people near the Washington state border.

Also read: At least two killed in ambush on firefighters in US state of Idaho


The sheriff noted that officers had been unable to safely approach the shooters and expressed concern for civilian hikers and bikers who may still be on the mountain. “It would be safe to assume others were still up there,” Norris said.

The initial call for the brush fire came in at 1:22 p.m. local time, and gunfire was reported by 2:00 p.m. The fire continues to burn amid the ongoing law enforcement operation.

Federal agents join Idaho manhunt as firefighters killed in line of duty

Governor Brad Little condemned the attack on emergency responders, stating, “This is a heinous direct assault on our brave firefighters,” and requested prayers for their families. “As this situation is still developing, please stay clear from the area to allow law enforcement and firefighters to do their jobs,” he added on X.

FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino confirmed that federal agents are providing “tactical and operational support.” Sheriff Norris warned that the standoff could evolve into a prolonged operation unless the suspects are neutralized soon. “I’m hoping that somebody has a clear shot and is able to neutralize,” he said, noting that the suspects have shown no sign of surrender.

Also read: Coeur d'Alene active shooter prompts speculation about missing veteran Travis Decker

The Kootenai County Emergency Management Office issued an alert advising the public to avoid the area surrounding Canfield Mountain Trailhead and Nettleton Gulch Road. Fire Chief Pat Riley told local TV station KHQ that he was “heartbroken” by the attack.

Local residents expressed shock over the violence. “This has never happened here,” said 80-year-old Coeur d’Alene resident Linda Tiger, who has lived in the city for nearly three decades. “But it goes to show that no one is safe from this kind of mental sadness.” She said she was following shelter-in-place guidance, though some residents appeared unaware of the alert.