In a shocking incident in Cootenai County, Idaho, two firefighters lost their lives and another was injured during what officials are calling a sniper ambush on Sunday afternoon. After the assault, the body of a man was discovered nearby, clutching a firearm, leading authorities to believe it was a coordinated attack.
The Cootenai County Sheriff’s Office reported that firefighters had been responding to a blaze near Canfield Mountain, located just north of Coeur d’Alene, when gunfire erupted around 1:30 PM. Emergency audio captured the chaos of the moment, as a dispatcher was told about an “active shooter in the fire.”
“We urgently need law enforcement here,” one firefighter relayed over the radio. He mentioned, amid distress, “We have two battalion chiefs down,” adding that he felt trapped.
In a haunting revelation, the caller suggested that the fire appeared intentionally set to draw in responders. He expressed grave concern, stating: “It’s clear that this fire is purposefully set to attract us.”
As the situation escalated, Sheriff Robert Norris held a press conference later that day to confirm the deaths of two firefighters and provided updates on the third, who was reportedly in stable condition following surgery but still fighting for his life.
Law enforcement utilized cell phone data to locate the deceased suspect hours after the ambush. Given the risks involved, firefighters had to retreat, leaving the brush fire dangerously uncontrolled.
Idaho’s Governor Brad Little called the incident a grave attack on firefighters, emphasizing the bravery shown by those involved. He commented, “Multiple heroic firefighters were attacked in connection with the fire.” The FBI’s deputy director, Dan Bongino, noted that tactical support was dispatched to aid in the ongoing investigation.
