- Multiple firefighters shot while responding to brush fire in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
- Kootenai County Sheriff confirms active shooter situation; suspect still at large
- Ambush may have been staged using deliberately set fire, though not yet confirmed
- At least two firefighters injured, one in critical condition, per initial reports
- FBI joins massive manhunt as Idaho governor calls incident “heartbreaking”
A terrifying scene unfolded Sunday afternoon in the Canfield Mountain area of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, where firefighters responding to a brush fire were ambushed and shot at by an unidentified gunman, prompting an immediate and large-scale emergency response.
The Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the unfolding active shooter situation and urged residents to stay away from the Canfield Mountain Trailhead and Nettleton Gulch Road areas. A shelter-in-place order remains in effect as the suspect remains at large.
Emergency Response Turns Violent
The incident began at approximately 3:30 p.m. local time, when crews from the Northern Lakes Fire Protection District responded to what appeared to be a routine brush fire. According to Kootenai County Sheriff’s Lt. Jeff Howard, the emergency team was met with gunfire as they approached the scene, suggesting the attack was premeditated.
— Lt. Jeff Howard, as quoted by KREM
Fire Chief Pat Riley of Northern Lakes Fire Protection said several firefighters had been injured but did not disclose their identities or full extent of injuries. Eyewitness accounts and initial reports from the scene suggest at least two were shot—one possibly in critical condition.
Multiple Agencies Respond
Emergency personnel from across the region, including the Idaho State Police, Spokane County Sheriff’s Office, and Coeur d’Alene City Police, rushed to the scene. Helicopters from the Life Flight Network airlifted the wounded as law enforcement scrambled to evacuate the area safely.
The Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office emphasized that the area is still dangerous, with the brush fire uncontained due to the ongoing threat. Theories are emerging that the fire may have been intentionally set to lure firefighters into an ambush, though investigators have yet to confirm that motive.
Governor, Community React
Governor Brad Little of Idaho addressed the situation on social media platform X, expressing deep concern and support for those harmed:
— Governor Brad Little, via X
Residents of the Coeur d’Alene area, known for its tranquility and scenic beauty, expressed disbelief. “This is not something we ever expected to happen here,” said local resident Sarah Thompson. “Our firefighters and law enforcement put their lives on the line every day, and to see them targeted like this is heartbreaking.”
As reported by KHQ, local residents were urged to remain inside and comply with law enforcement instructions while the suspect remains at large.
Investigation and Ongoing Manhunt
The FBI has joined local and state authorities in investigating the incident and locating the suspect. Officials say the investigation is still in its early stages, and no clear motive has been established.
As the search intensifies, the entire region is on alert, with emergency units on standby and air surveillance continuing into the night. The fire, still smoldering, has been largely secondary to the urgent task of neutralizing the threat to first responders and residents.
BREAKING: Multiple firefighters shot in apparent ambush while responding to brush fire in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, local media reports; suspect at large pic.twitter.com/Yxu4Tz3POK
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) June 29, 2025
(with inputs from KREM, KHQ, and official agency briefings)
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