Two firefighters have been killed and a third critically injured in what the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) described as a “heinous act of violence” and an “ambush” in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.
The information was shared in a statement from the IAFF early on Monday, with the union confirming that the firefighters had come under fire from a sniper while responding to a blaze on Canfield Mountain.
“Two of our brothers were killed by a sniper, and a third brother remains in surgery,” the union posted.
“Please keep them, their families, and law enforcement in your prayers.”
The incident occurred after at least one shooter with a high-powered rifle was positioned on the mountain and firing from the trees. Helicopters using heat-seeking technology were deployed to search the area for the assailant, though their efforts were reportedly hindered by smoke from the ongoing wildfire.
Kootenai County Sheriff Robert Norris confirmed that SWAT officers had discovered the dead body of a man on the mountain along with a firearm, and that the “shelter in place” order was lifted at 03:50 local time. According to the sheriff, the deceased man was located after a phone signal was detected in the area.
FBI tactical teams were also deployed to the area. Deputy Director Dan Bongino posted on X that they were providing “technical teams and tactical assets” and described it as “an active, and very dangerous scene.”
A press conference held later in the morning confirmed that the shooter acted alone. The county sheriff confirmed that law enforcement believe there was only shooter who is now dead and that there is no ongoing threat to citizens.
A third firefighter was also confirmed to have exited surgery in a stable condition but remains critically injured and fighting to survive in hospital.
The sheriff added that a 911 call was made by a man to report the fire, but it is unclear whether the caller was the shooter. No identification was given during the call.
The USDA’s Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins issued a statement saying she had spoken with Idaho Governor Brad Little regarding the shooting.
“We are praying for the victims and their families and will provide an update as more information becomes available,” she said.
A procession honouring the two deceased firefighters was later held from Coeur d’Alene to Spokane, with members of the public gathering on local overpasses to pay their respects.
Kootenai County authorities confirmed that the site of the shooting was placed under a drone flight ban due to safety risks posed to ongoing emergency operations.
Firefighting personnel had initially been responding to a brush fire on Canfield Mountain when the attack occurred. Sheriff Norris described the incident as “very, very, very rare” for a rural setting and impossible to predict.