Sniper Ambush Kills Two Firefighters in Idaho Brush Fire Trap
What began as a routine response to a small brush fire on Canfield Mountain in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, turned into a tragic ambush on Sunday, June 30. Firefighters were lured into the area by what now appears to have been a deliberately set fire. Once on the scene, they came under sniper fire from a hidden shooter.
According to audio obtained by CNN, one firefighter frantically radioed for help: “Send law enforcement right now, there’s an active shooter zone… Everybody’s shot up here.” Two firefighters were killed in the attack, and a third was seriously wounded. Kootenai County Sheriff Robert Norris confirmed during a press briefing that the fire was likely used as bait to target first responders.
A SWAT team later found a deceased man with a weapon nearby, believed to be the shooter. The International Association of Fire Fighters called it “a heinous act of violence,” confirming that the victims were IAFF members.
The FBI and Department of Homeland Security have joined the investigation. Former Boston Police Commissioner Ed Davis described the situation as “almost like a battlefield scene,” with responders pinned down behind trucks and bleeding out as shots continued.
Governor Brad Little condemned the ambush, calling it a “heinous assault on our brave firefighters,” and urged Idahoans to keep the victims and their families in their prayers. Though the shelter-in-place order has now been lifted, authorities continue to investigate the deadly trap, and residents remain on high alert.rities continue to investigate the deadly trap, and residents remain on high alert.