A devastating incident unfolded on Sunday, June 29, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, when a shooter opened fire on firefighters responding to a wildfire. The situation remains active, and authorities are still working to neutralize the threat. At least two firefighters have been killed, and others are injured.
The Incident: Firefighters Under Fire
The Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office reported that firefighters were responding to a brush fire on Canfield Mountain, located about 30 miles from Spokane, Washington, when they came under attack. The incident began around 1:30 p.m. local time when the fire department was called to handle the blaze.
Approximately half an hour later, a shooter (or potentially multiple shooters) armed with modern sporting rifles opened fire on the first responders. According to Sheriff Robert Norris, investigators confirmed that authorities were still facing sniper fire as of 5:00 p.m. local time, with no signs that the gunmen were planning to surrender.
Law Enforcement’s Response and Ongoing Danger
The situation has escalated, and law enforcement has reported bullets coming from multiple directions, suggesting the possibility of more than one shooter. Investigators are considering whether the fire was intentionally set to lure first responders to the scene. As of now, the wildfire is still burning.
Kootenai County Sheriff’s Lt. Jeff Howard mentioned that hikers and local residents are trapped on the mountain. The area around Hayden Lake Road and 15th Street in Coeur d’Alene has been placed under a shelter-in-place warning.
“We still have civilians coming off the mountain. Some may be stuck or in shock,” Sheriff Norris said during a press conference, describing the situation as “very fresh”.
Victims and Responses
Edward A. Kelly, the general president of the International Association of Fire Fighters, confirmed that two firefighters were killed in the ambush. Another firefighter remains in surgery. The incident has been widely condemned as a “heinous act of violence.”
The FBI is now involved, with Deputy Director Dan Bongino confirming that agents are en route to provide “tactical and operational support” to local authorities.
Political Leaders React
Idaho Governor Brad Little condemned the attack, calling it a “heinous direct assault on our brave firefighters.” He urged Idahoans to pray for the victims and their families while advising people to stay clear of the area to allow first responders to do their work.
Governor Little wrote on social media:
“Teresa and I are heartbroken. As this situation is still developing, please stay clear from the area to allow law enforcement and firefighters to do their jobs.”
A Multi-Day Operation
Sheriff Norris emphasized that this situation may become a “multi-day operation” as authorities continue to deal with the ongoing shooting and fire. The shooter(s) have shown no signs of surrender, making the resolution of the situation all the more urgent.
A Dangerous and Tragic Situation
As of now, the situation on Canfield Mountain remains highly dangerous with ongoing threats to both first responders and civilians. The shocking attack has led to two confirmed firefighter deaths, and the public is being urged to stay away from the area as law enforcement works to neutralize the threat.
The community, and the entire nation, watches as authorities continue to investigate the motives behind this tragic ambush.
