Deadly Idaho Ambush: Gunman Kills Two Firefighters After Starting Wildfire
June 30, 2025
BOISE, IDAHO – A horrific ambush unfolded Sunday in northern Idaho when a man intentionally started a wildfire and opened fire on firefighters responding to the scene. Two were killed and a third critically wounded in what authorities describe as a targeted, premeditated attack.
Ambush on Canfield Mountain
The incident occurred around 1:30 p.m. near Canfield Mountain, just north of Coeur d’Alene. Within 30 minutes of the fire being reported, emergency radio traffic turned frantic as responders came under gunfire. “Everybody’s shot up here… send law enforcement now,” one dispatcher urgently reported.
Sheriff Bob Norris confirmed that the shooter set the blaze to lure in first responders. “This was an intentional ambush. These firefighters didn’t stand a chance,” he said during a Sunday night press briefing.
Casualties and Medical Response
Three victims were taken to Kootenai Health Hospital. Two were pronounced dead upon arrival. The third, who underwent emergency surgery, is in stable condition and “fighting for his life,” Norris added.
Suspect Found Dead
A tactical response team used cellphone data to locate the shooter’s body in a wooded area as flames advanced dangerously close. A firearm was recovered nearby, though authorities have not disclosed his identity or the exact weapon used. The shooter appeared to have used a high-powered rifle and was concealed in rugged terrain.
FBI Joins the Investigation
The FBI deployed technical and tactical units to assist local law enforcement. The situation was further complicated by the ongoing wildfire, which posed risks to both emergency personnel and the surrounding community.
Governor Brad Little condemned the attack, calling it “a heinous and cowardly act” on X (formerly Twitter). “This is a direct assault on our brave firefighters. I ask all Idahoans to keep them in their prayers.”
Community in Mourning
Later that evening, a solemn procession escorted the fallen firefighters to Spokane, Washington. Firefighters and residents lined the streets in tribute as emergency vehicles passed by in silence.
The Kootenai County Emergency Management Office lifted the shelter-in-place order but urged continued caution as the fire is still burning near Nettleton Gulch Road and Canfield Mountain Trailhead.
Fear Grips the Neighborhood
Bruce Deming, a local resident whose property borders the trail system, recalled seeing smoke on the ridge and being confused about the lack of aerial response. “Then I heard about the shooter and realized—it’s because helicopters could be shot at,” he said.
“I just don’t want to wake up in the middle of the night wondering if someone’s out there,” he added, expressing the anxiety now felt by many residents.
Officials React
The Idaho House Republican Leadership issued a statement denouncing the attack: “We are horrified by this vicious assault. We mourn the loss of these heroes and pray for the recovery of the wounded.”