2 firefighters killed in ambush while responding to wildfire

Two firefighters were killed and a third was fighting for his life Sunday when an alleged shooter, who was apparently found dead, ambushed fire crews responding to a wildfire near Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

Republican Gov. Brad Little of Idaho responded to the active shooter incident in a statement posted on X Sunday, while the International Association of Firefighters confirmed two firefighters were killed and a third was in surgery in a Sunday night post on X. The Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office announced a man was found dead with a firearm and lifted the shelter in place order late Sunday.

“This evening, members of the SWAT team located a deceased male on Canfield Mountain,” the office said in a statement. “A firearm was found nearby.”

BREAKING: Man with firearm found dead on mountain amid deadly standoff in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, Sheriff says.

Shelter in place lifted. pic.twitter.com/N8AXfyhREl

— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) June 30, 2025

“While responding to a fire earlier today in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, IAFF members were ambushed in a heinous act of violence. Two of our brothers were killed by a sniper, and a third brother remains in surgery,” the union posted. “Please keep them, their families, and law enforcement in your prayers.”

While responding to a fire earlier today in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, IAFF members were ambushed in a heinous act of violence. Two of our brothers were killed by a sniper, and a third brother remains in surgery.

Please keep them, their families, and law enforcement in your prayers.

— International Association of Fire Fighters (@IAFFofficial) June 30, 2025

“Multiple heroic firefighters were attacked today while responding to a fire in North Idaho. This is a heinous direct assault on our brave firefighters.” Little posted. “I ask all Idahoans to pray for them and their families as we wait to learn more. Teresa and I are heartbroken. As this situation is still developing, please stay clear from the area to allow law enforcement and firefighters to do their jobs.”

Multiple heroic firefighters were attacked today while responding to a fire in North Idaho. This is a heinous direct assault on our brave firefighters. I ask all Idahoans to pray for them and their families as we wait to learn more. Teresa and I are heartbroken.

As this…

— Brad Little (@GovernorLittle) June 29, 2025

FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino said FBI assets were en route to the scene to provide “tactical and operational support.”

“FBI assets are headed to the scene in Coeur d’Alene to provide tactical and operational support. It is an active scene,” Bongino posted on X.

CHILLING AUDIO: There is a massive police response after multiple first responders were reportedly shot during firefighting ambush in Idaho

pic.twitter.com/qFRTENu9ST

— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) June 29, 2025

Kootenai County Sheriff Robert Norris said during a press conference that law enforcement personnel were still being fired upon.

WATCH:

“It is going to be a tough next couple of hours, absolutely,” Norris said. “I’m hoping that somebody has a clear shot, and is able to neutralize. Because they are not, at this point in time, showing any evidence of wanting to surrender. So as soon as somebody has a clear shot, I encourage them to take that shot, neutralize the threat.”

Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem is also monitoring the situation, according to a spokesperson.

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