On June 29, 2025 an event took place that shocked the world, when a firefighter was shot while responding to a brush fire on Canfield Mountain near Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Tragically, two firefighters lost their lives and one firefighter was seriously injured. The gunman was found dead with a firearm next to him.
The shooting took place at approximately 2 p.m. local time as the fire crew was actively combating the wildfire. Law enforcement agencies responded to this event by deploying the FBI, SWAT teams, and local law enforcement agencies, which brought with it a heavier police presence.
Authorities instituted a temporary shelter-in-place order for surrounding residents, which was ultimately lifted.
Idaho Governor Brad Little referred to the incident as "a heinous act," and sent prayers for the victims and their families.
The investigation into the suspect is ongoing, with early preliminary indications suggesting that the fire may have been intentionally set and that the suspect hoped to lure responders into harm's way.
๐จ ๐ฎ ๐๐ถ๐น๐น๐ฒ๐ฑ ๐๐ณ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐๐ถ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ณ๐ถ๐ด๐ต๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ ๐ฆ๐ต๐ผ๐ ๐ถ๐ป ๐ก๐ผ๐ฟ๐๐ต๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ป ๐๐ฑ๐ฎ๐ต๐ผ, ๐ฆ๐ต๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ณ๐ณ ๐ฆ๐ฎ๐๐
— The Epoch Times (@EpochTimes) June 30, 2025
A sniper ambushed firefighters responding to a blaze
Read more ๐ pic.twitter.com/Hg4qUwxwFq
Suspect Found Dead, Investigation Still Ongoing
The suspect, an adult male, was located deceased in the wooded area nearby the shooting site. A firearm was located by his body, and authorities currently think he acted alone. Initial concerns of multiple shooters were ruled out with more investigation.
The FBI and local law enforcement are treating the area as an active crime scene while gathering more information. One firefighter continues to be in the hospital after having surgery; the fire is still burning and is difficult for crews to access because of the steep and difficult terrain.
This incident has shaken the local community, and serious concerns have been raised regarding the safety of emergency responders.
The names of the victims have not been disclosed, but there have been tributes and support coming from across the country for the individuals who lost their lives in the line of duty.
