Ambush Shooting on Firefighters Responding to Wildfire in the US Leaves Two Dead

Suspect Found Dead After Shootout
on Canfield Mountain in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho

Two firefighters who were dispatched to extinguish a wildfire in Idaho, USA, were shot and killed at the scene by an assailant who had been lying in ambush. Authorities determined that the assailant deliberately started the wildfire to commit the crime and was later found dead at the scene.

According to AP and CNN, the incident occurred on the 29th (local time) at Canfield Mountain in Coeur d'Alene, a city in northern Idaho. At approximately 1:21 p.m., a wildfire was reported, and nine minutes later, firefighters were dispatched to contain the blaze. About 30 minutes later, at around 2:00 p.m., a report of gunfire was received. The suspect, who was hiding among rocks in the mountains, opened fire on the responding firefighters. Two firefighters were killed in the shooting, while another was injured and transported to a hospital. Authorities stated that the injured firefighter is "fighting for his life and is in stable condition."

On the 29th (local time), smoke is rising from a fire that occurred at Canfield Mountain in Idaho, USA. Photo by Reuters

A gunfight then broke out between the police, who responded to the scene, and the shooter, lasting for several hours. The Kootenai County Office of Emergency Management issued evacuation orders for hikers and residents to leave the area during the standoff. About five hours after the incident began, the suspect was found dead at the scene. A firearm, believed to have been used in the attack, was found next to the body.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect intentionally started the wildfire, then waited in ambush to open fire on the firefighters as they arrived. Sheriff Norris said, "Based on the trajectory of the bullets and the type of weapon, it appears there was only one shooter." He added, "It seems the shooter hid in the rocky terrain and used a high-powered rifle." The FBI has launched an investigation to determine the motive and further details of the crime.

Idaho Governor Brad Little stated on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), "Multiple firefighters were shot," calling it "a heinous and direct attack on our brave firefighters." The International Association of Fire Fighters also condemned the crime as "an act of heinous violence."

Even after the gunfight ended, the wildfire had not been contained. Sheriff Norris stated that the fire had burned approximately 8,937 square meters, and firefighting efforts were delayed due to the gunfight.

Coeur d'Alene is a city near the border of Idaho and Washington, with a population of about 55,000.