Idaho Ambush: Gunman Kills Two Firefighters, Injures Another in Coeur d’Alene Sniper Attack

On June 29, 2025, a routine fire call near Coeur d’Alene, Idaho turned into a deadly ambush known as the Coeur d’Alene firefighter shooting. A gunman lured first responders to Canfield Mountain with a brush fire, then opened fire. Here’s everything you need to know.

What Happened

• Intentional Blaze: Around 2 p.m., someone started a fire on Canfield Mountain—a well-known recreation area north of Coeur d’Alene. Authorities believe the attacker lit the fire deliberately to draw in firefighters (AP News).
• Sniper Opens Fire: Within 30 minutes of arriving at the scene, a hidden sniper began shooting at the firefighters using a high-powered rifle (AP News).
• Tragic Outcome: The sniper killed two firefighters—one from the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department and another from Kootenai County Fire & Rescue. A third firefighter survived with critical injuries and doctors stabilized him after surgery (AP News).

Chaos on the Mountain

• Massive Response: The Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office quickly called in support from the FBI, ATF, and multiple SWAT teams. Helicopters patrolled the sky while officers moved in on the gunman’s position (WSJ).
• Tracking the Suspect: Using cellphone signals, law enforcement teams narrowed down the sniper’s location. Officers found him dead in the woods near the scene. Investigators are still determining whether he died from police gunfire or suicide (AP News).

Leaders Speak Out

• Sheriff Bob Norris condemned the shooting, calling it a “heinous direct assault” on public servants. He confirmed that they believe the attacker acted alone (WSJ).
• Governor Brad Little honored the victims and promised state-level support for the investigation and affected families (WSJ).

Context Behind the Attack

• This ambush mirrors a 2012 attack in Webster, New York where a gunman also used fire to trap and kill firefighters.
• North Idaho’s dry forests face growing wildfire threats, which have already led the Idaho Department of Lands to implement restrictions this summer.
• The suspect used tactical planning, reportedly setting the fire in a choke point where he could hide and target first responders.

About the Area

• Canfield Mountain is a forested recreation zone just minutes from neighborhoods in Coeur d’Alene. Many locals use the trails daily for biking, hiking, and walking.
• Coeur d’Alene is a lakeside city with about 60,000 residents. Its peaceful community has been deeply shaken by this unprecedented violence.

What Happens Now

• Ongoing Investigation: The Sheriff’s Office, in coordination with federal partners, continues to process evidence and speak with potential witnesses.
• Community Tributes: Residents have already held memorial vigils and candlelight walks in honor of the fallen. You can follow developments via CDA Press and KREM 2 News.
• Wildfire Alerts: Fire officials encourage all residents to check real-time fire maps real-time fire maps and follow burning restrictions to help prevent similar tragedies.

Explore More

• Live updates on the Coeur d’Alene firefighter shooting
• Kootenai County Sheriff official site
• Wikipedia: 2025 Coeur d’Alene Shooting
• Visit Coeur d’Alene

This tragedy has revealed not only the bravery of Idaho’s first responders but also the dangers they face even in peaceful communities. We honor those who lost their lives—and those who continue to risk everything to protect ours.