Idaho A routine response to a brush fire on Canfield Mountain tragically escalated into a deadly ambush on Sunday afternoon, June 30, 2025, leaving two firefighters dead and another wounded. The suspected gunman, who opened fire on the first responders, was later found deceased after an hours-long manhunt involving multiple agencies.
Kootenai County Sheriff Robert Norris confirmed that the two fatalities were fire personnel: one from the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department and another from the Kootenai County Fire Department. “This was a total ambush,” Sheriff Norris stated during a press briefing. “These firefighters did not have a chance.”
A Day of Fire and Fear
The horrifying incident began unfolding at approximately 1:21 PM when authorities received the first report of a small brush fire on Canfield Mountain. Less than an hour later, around 2:00 PM, firefighters on the scene reported that they were under gunfire.
The injured individual, who sustained a gunshot wound in the attack, was transported to Kootenai Health Hospital for treatment.
In response to the active shooter situation, an extensive, multi-agency manhunt was launched across the mountainous terrain. Over 300 law enforcement officers converged on the scene, some of whom exchanged gunfire with the suspect. Sheriff Norris noted that offers of assistance came from high levels, including the White House and FBI Director Kash Patel, underscoring the severity of the situation.
Couer D’Alene Idaho firefighters were met with an Ambush when responding to a brushfire in the hills. An active shooter fired from the hillside and 2 FF were killed, 9 ppl injured and airlifted to Kootenai health. FBI is on scene. Pray for the wounded and the families of the… pic.twitter.com/VrnV4AUwbL
— Love Majewski🇺🇸 (@lovemajewski1) June 30, 2025
Suspect Located, Investigation Underway
The manhunt concluded Sunday evening when SWAT team members located a deceased male on Canfield Mountain, with a firearm found nearby. Sheriff Norris announced that the notification of the suspect’s death was received at 7:40 PM. Law enforcement managed to recover the body before the spreading brush fire reached the location. Based on the trajectory of the fire and the weapon discovered, officials believe there was only one shooter involved in the ambush.
Investigators are now working to determine a potential motive for the attack. Kootenai County Sheriff’s Lt. Jeff Howard indicated that law enforcement is looking into whether the brush fire was intentionally set as a lure to ambush first responders.
The shelter-in-place order for the Canfield Mountain Trailhead and surrounding areas has since been lifted, though residents are advised to remain vigilant for updates regarding the ongoing fire. The FBI confirmed its assistance to local authorities in Kootenai County.
Tributes and Calls for Prayers
The tragic events have sent shockwaves through the community and across the state. Idaho Governor Brad Little condemned the incident as a “heinous direct assault on our brave firefighters.” In a post on X, Governor Little wrote, “Multiple heroic firefighters were attacked today while responding to a fire in North Idaho. I ask all Idahoans to pray for them and their families as we wait to learn more.” Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem was also briefed on the shooting.
The loss of two dedicated fire personnel in such a brutal and unexpected manner has deeply impacted the Coeur d’Alene community, which now grieves their fallen heroes. Investigations will continue to piece together the full circumstances of this tragic ambush and bring clarity to the senseless violence that unfolded on Canfield Mountain.
