On Sunday, June 29, a shooter opened fire on crews tending to a brush fire near Coeur d'Alene, North Idaho, k?lling two firemen and injuring another.
Three people were sent to Kootenai Health, according to Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris. While the third had surgery and is still in stable condition, the other two were already deceased.
Around 1:30 p.m., the fire near Canfield Mountain was reported. Firefighters were shot at around half an hour later. Authorities think the suspect sparked the fire on purpose as a setup.
Three people were sent to Kootenai Health, according to Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris. While the third had surgery and is still in stable condition, the other two were already deceased.
Around 1:30 p.m., the fire near Canfield Mountain was reported. Firefighters were shot at around half an hour later. Authorities think the suspect sparked the fire on purpose as a setup.
At a press conference, Sheriff Norris stated, "We do believe he started it, and that it was an ambush."
A SWAT squad later discovered the gunman's body and rifle close to Canfield Mountain. Whether he died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound or was slain by law enforcement is still unknown. In Spokane, an autopsy is planned.
Firefighters were forced to retreat due to the shooting, which caused the Nettleton Gulch Fire to spread to a size of 15 to 20 acres. It wasn't until 7:30 p.m. that firefighters could safely continue their work. It was suggested that locals stay ready in case things got worse. Drones are strictly prohibited in the area, which was also designated as a no-fly zone.
Firefighters were forced to retreat due to the shooting, which caused the Nettleton Gulch Fire to spread to a size of 15 to 20 acres. It wasn't until 7:30 p.m. that firefighters could safely continue their work. It was suggested that locals stay ready in case things got worse. Drones are strictly prohibited in the area, which was also designated as a no-fly zone.
Law enforcement was under fire for several hours during what Sheriff Norris called "an active sniper event." About 300 employees from federal, state, and local organizations—including the FBI—responded.
The deceased firefighters were from the Coeur d'Alene Fire Department and Kootenai County Fire & Rescue, respectively. Coeur d'Alene is also the hometown of the injured firefighter.
"This is incomprehensible and heartbreaking beyond description," said Bruce Mattare, chairman of the Kootenai County Commission. "June 29, 2025, is an unforgettable day. We lost two exceptional professionals on the day when evil revealed itself.
"This is incomprehensible and heartbreaking beyond description," said Bruce Mattare, chairman of the Kootenai County Commission. "June 29, 2025, is an unforgettable day. We lost two exceptional professionals on the day when evil revealed itself.
0 Comments