Firefighters ambushed while responding to Idaho wildfire, at least 2 killed

An unidentified gunman opened fire at first responders after setting a wildfire in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, killing at least two firefighters and seriously injuring a third, according to officials. The suspect was found dead after an hours-long search.

Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris said firefighters initially responded to reports of a wildfire on Canfield Mountain at 1:21 p.m. on Sunday. About 30 minutes later, after crews arrived on the scene, an unidentified gunman opened fire.

“We’re actively taking sniper fire as we speak,” Norris said at a press briefing at 4:45 p.m. “We’re taking rapid fire out there.”

Norris said the suspect was armed with a high-powered rifle and that shots were coming from multiple locations, making it difficult for crews to look for casualties or fight the wildfire. “They’re blending in with their surroundings,” he said.

“I’m hoping somebody has a clear shot and is able to neutralize because they’re not, at this point in time, showing any evidence of wanting to surrender,” the sheriff said at the briefing. “So as soon as someone has a clear shot, I encourage them to take that shot and neutralize the threat.”

Hundreds of law enforcement officers responded to the area and residents were told to shelter in place as the active shooter remained at large. At 7:45 p.m., police announced that a suspect was found dead on the mountain, with a firearm nearby.

The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) confirmed that at least three firefighters had been shot. “Two of our brothers were killed by a sniper, and a third brother remains in surgery,” the union said in a statement.

The Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office said the number of casualties was not yet clear. More information is expected at a 9:30 p.m. (12:30 a.m. ET) press conference.

“At this time, the Shelter in Place is being lifted however there is still an active wildfire on Canfield Mountain,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement. “Residents in the area are advised to be prepared and ready should further action need to be taken.”

Federal assets, including FBI agents, were deployed to the scene to provide tactical and operational support, said FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino.

Governor Brad Little condemned the attack, calling it a “heinous direct assault” on first responders. “Multiple heroic firefighters were attacked today while responding to a fire in North Idaho,” he said in a statement. “I ask all Idahoans to pray for them and their families as we wait to learn more.”