At least two firefighters were killed in Idaho on Sunday afternoon following a sniper attack while they were responding to a fire in a rugged mountain area, according to authorities.
Law enforcement agencies near Coeur d’Alene swiftly evacuated the area, which is frequented by weekend hikers, amid concerns over multiple attackers who were still firing shots at emergency responders.
During an afternoon news conference around 4:30 p.m., Sheriff Robert Norris of Kootenai County reported, “We are actively taking sniper fire as we speak.” While he was uncertain about the exact number of injuries, officials confirmed that the two fatalities involved firefighters.
As the incident unfolded, firefighters requested assistance after two colleagues were struck by gunfire. Emergency radio communications indicated that one firefighter sought refuge behind firefighting equipment, and there were suspicions that the fire might have been intentionally set.
Responding officers indicated that shots were coming from multiple directions, suggesting the presence of multiple attackers, as reported by Sheriff Norris. He noted the use of “high-powered rifles” and that the attacker or attackers appeared well-prepared, camouflaged in thick brush.
Authorities warned that if the suspects could not be apprehended quickly, the operation could extend over several days. The fire that prompted the emergency response began around 1:21 p.m. local time and continued to blaze, leading law enforcement to advise residents in the vicinity to shelter indoors.
Kim Anderson, a spokesperson for Kootenai Health hospital system, confirmed that in addition to the two fatalities, one other individual was treated for injuries from the shooting. Details regarding the condition of that individual were not immediately available, although the International Association of Fire Fighters stated that one firefighter was undergoing surgery.
The Canfield Mountain area, located on the eastern outskirts of Coeur d’Alene, includes both public and private lands with trails used by hikers, mountain bikers, and motorcyclists. Despite the ongoing gunfire, hikers were still making their way off the mountain, as noted by Sheriff Norris.
Graham Christensen, a past president of the Lake City Trail Alliance, stated that the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department regularly conducted brush clearing and fire suppression in the area, expressing shock over the attack in a place he considered safe.
Witness Brian Hadley, who was training for a mountain-biking race, recounted hearing gunshots as he descended from the mountain after learning about the fire. He described the events as “heartbreaking” and noted that smoke from the fire could still be seen later that evening, raising concerns due to recent dry conditions increasing wildfire risks in northern Idaho.
Sheriff Norris mentioned that authorities were formulating a strategy to neutralize the shooter's ability to fire upon responders before proceeding with evacuations of hikers and local residents.
The FBI confirmed their presence at the scene and their assistance to local authorities. Idaho Governor Brad Little urged the public on social media to avoid the area, calling the attack a “heinous direct assault on our brave firefighters” and requesting prayers for them and their families.
Kootenai County Emergency Management instructed residents to shelter in place and avoid the vicinity near Canfield Mountain Trailhead and Nettleton Gulch Road, extending alerts to areas south of Hayden Lake Road and east of 15th Street.
Bruce Mattare, chairman of the Kootenai County Board of Commissioners, acknowledged that the active-shooter situation was complicating firefighting efforts. He assured that the county was mobilizing resources and planned to sign an emergency declaration that evening.
“It’s an absolutely terrible situation right now,” he stated. “We’re doing everything we can.”