COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho — In a tragic turn of events, two firefighters lost their lives while battling a wildfire on Canfield Mountain on Sunday. This devastating incident occurred when the firefighting team was ambushed by gunfire as they arrived on the scene. Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris confirmed the fatalities at a press conference, stating that the situation continues to unfold.
Around 1:30 p.m., firefighters were dispatched to the ongoing blaze on Canfield Mountain, a location that has seen increasing wildfire activity. Just half an hour later, shots rang out, prompting a swift response from multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office and the Idaho State Police. Sheriff Norris reported that a deceased man was also discovered on the mountain with a firearm present, but it has not yet been established whether he was involved in the shooting.
As authorities work to assess the situation, the shelter-in-place order for nearby residents has been lifted, although they are urged to remain vigilant. The fire continues to spread, and many individuals are still in distress on the mountain, with ongoing evacuation efforts underway. Sheriff Norris acknowledged that the scene remains perilous as suspects, believed to be heavily armed and well-prepared, are potentially hiding in dense brush.
Norris expressed concern over the number of people injured, noting that they don’t have an accurate tally of the casualties yet. “We expect that individuals who may have sought medical attention elsewhere will come forward,” he said. The sheriff also indicated the presence of sophisticated weaponry in the incident, suggesting that modern sporting rifles were used during the attack.
The investigation is ongoing, with law enforcement agencies coordinating efforts to locate and neutralize the suspects. “If we do not apprehend these individuals soon, this could turn into a protracted operation,” Norris warned. He reassured the public that the suspects do not appear to be holed up in residential structures but are instead out in the open, firing at responding personnel.
Idaho Governor Brad Little expressed his condolences to the families of the fallen firefighters in a statement Sunday night, calling the ambush a “heinous direct assault” on those who bravely serve the community. He urged residents to steer clear of the area to allow first responders to carry out their crucial work.
Local members of Congress voiced their support for the firefighters and the ongoing law enforcement efforts. Representative Mike Simpson described the news as “gut-wrenching,” while Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch reiterated their concern for the safety of first responders and the community.
As the situation develops, officials plan to conduct another press conference to provide updates. Law enforcement remains focused on both managing the wildfire and ensuring the safety of individuals still at risk on Canfield Mountain. The community grieves as it awaits further information on this heartbreaking tragedy.