Two killed in Idaho when firefighters ambushed while responding to brush fire

📍 What happened

When: Sunday, June 29, 2025, around 2 p.m. PDT

Where: Canfield Mountain Natural Area near Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, on the east side of the city

Incident: Firefighters responding to a brush fire were ambushed by one or more shooters using high-powered modern sporting rifles

🔥 Casualties and Injuries

Fatalities: Two firefighters were killed by sniper fire

Injured: A third firefighter is in surgery; additional injuries reported among responders and possibly civilians — total injured numbers remain unclear

🎯 Ongoing Situation

Active threat: Shots continued as of early evening with unknown number of assailants firing from multiple directions amid heavy brush, making the shooter(s) hard to locate

Fire suppression paused: Firefighting efforts are on hold until law enforcement can neutralize the threat—so the blaze continues to burn

🚨 Law Enforcement Response

Local and federal response: Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris, along with the FBI and possibly ATF, are on-site with tactical teams

Orders issued: Shelter-in-place advisories and a no-fly zone (including drones) have been issued for Canfield Mountain Trailhead and nearby areas

🧨 Suspected Arson

Officials are investigating whether the brush fire was deliberately set as a lure for first responders into an ambush

🗣️ Official Statements

Sheriff Norris: Described the assault as active sniper fire, urging swift neutralization of the shooters

Governor Brad Little: Called it a “heinous direct assault” on firefighters, urging prayers for the victims and families

FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino: Confirmed tactical support is being deployed; called the scene “active and very dangerous”

✅ Current Status

Threat level: Active shooter situation remains ongoing; no suspects have been apprehended.

Fire status: The brush fire continues due to an inability to safely deploy suppression teams.

Public safety: Authorities strongly advise staying away from the area to allow law enforcement operations.

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