Mon Jun 30 07:22:36 UTC 2025: ## Idaho Firefighters Ambushed, Two Dead: Suspect Found Dead, Shelter-In-Place Lifted
**Coeur d’Alene, ID -** A horrific ambush on firefighters responding to a brush fire near Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, has left two dead and one critically injured. Authorities believe the fire was intentionally set as a trap. The shelter-in-place order for the area was lifted late Sunday night after a tactical team discovered the body of a man believed to be the suspect near Canfield Mountain.
According to Kootenai County Sheriff Robert Norris, firefighters responded to a fire on Canfield Mountain at approximately 1:22 pm (20:22 GMT) on Sunday. About thirty minutes later, reports of gunfire erupted. Sheriff Norris stated the suspect used high-powered sporting rifles to open rapid fire on the first responders. Two firefighters were killed, and a third underwent surgery and is currently in stable but critical condition.
“We do believe he started it, and it was totally intentional what he did,” Sheriff Norris told reporters, referring to the brush fire. While officials suspect the fire was an intentional act of aggression, the motive behind the ambush remains unknown.
A massive response involving over 300 law enforcement officers and FBI agents was launched, with police snipers searching from helicopters. Authorities located the suspected shooter after tracing mobile phone activity in the area. The individual was found deceased with a firearm nearby. Authorities have not released the suspect’s identity or cause of death and have yet to confirm if the 911 caller reporting the fire was also the gunman.
“This is a heinous direct assault on our brave firefighters,” Idaho Governor Brad Little wrote on Facebook, offering condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims.
The bodies of the fallen firefighters are being transported to Spokane, Washington, in a procession of official vehicles. One firefighter served with the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department, while the other served with Kootenai County Fire and Rescue. Kootenai County officials said that they would not release the names of the two firefighters who died.
The wildfire on Canfield Mountain, a popular recreational area known for hiking and mountain biking trails, has burned approximately 20 acres (81 hectares), but no structures have been lost. The fire was still burning as of 03:00 GMT.
The shelter-in-place order was lifted at 03:50 GMT on Monday, allowing residents to return to their homes. The investigation into this tragic incident is ongoing.
First Piper 