What started as a response to a minor brush fire on Canfield Mountain in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, culminated in a tragic act of violence.
Two firefighters lost their lives and another sustained serious injuries after being ambushed by a gunman on Sunday afternoon, as reported by local authorities.
“Everyone is shot up here.”
Several firefighters were shot by an unidentified assailant after being dispatched to a wildfire near a well-known outdoor recreation area in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, on Sunday afternoon.
A firefighter urgently requested assistance over the radio, informing EMS, “We need law enforcement up here immediately,” according to audio obtained by CNN.
The incident began around 1:30 p.m. when firefighters responded to reports of a small brush fire. Approximately 30 minutes later, gunfire erupted from the woods. An unknown attacker had seemingly been lying in wait.
“It is evident to me that this fire was deliberately set to lure us in,” the firefighter stated.
“Send law enforcement immediately, there is an active shooter situation,” he added.
“Everyone is shot up here.”
Two fatalities
Kootenai County Sheriff Robert Norris confirmed in a press briefing that the two deceased individuals are believed to be fire personnel, according to ABC7.
In a statement shared on X by the International Association of Fire Fighters, the union representing firefighters, it was noted that members were targeted while responding to a fire in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.
The post states, “While responding to a fire earlier today in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, IAFF members were ambushed in a despicable act of violence.”
It continues, “Two of our brothers were killed by a sniper, and a third brother is currently undergoing surgery. Please keep them, their families, and law enforcement in your thoughts and prayers.”
During a Sunday evening press conference, Kootenai County Sheriff Robert Norris disclosed the perilous and tense conditions confronting his team.
“We are actively under sniper fire,” he declared, underscoring the gravity of the ongoing crisis.
“This is a very,
Suspect found deceased
The Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office has reported that a SWAT team subsequently located a dead male on the mountain, with a firearm found nearby. This individual is believed to be the suspect involved in the fatal shooting.
Authorities are probing the disturbing possibility that the fire was deliberately set to entice emergency responders into a lethal trap.
“We are investigating whether the fire may have been utilized to attract first responders to the location,” stated Kootenai County Sheriff’s Lt. Jeff Howard in an interview with ABC News.
Former Boston Police Commissioner Ed Davis remarked to CNN that receiving a report of firefighters coming under gunfire represents “a worst-case scenario” for law enforcement.
He characterized the “chilling audio” as a clear indication that lives were in imminent peril and that individuals required immediate rescue.
“Almost resembling a battlefield scene”
“You empathize with the firefighters who were reporting that situation,” Davis expressed, “because there were indeed individuals bleeding to death on the ground, and they were trapped behind their fire truck. It was an extremely troubling situation, almost akin to a battlefield scene.”
The FBI has become involved in the investigation, and the Department of Homeland Security has also been informed, according to a DHS official who spoke with ABC News.
The Canfield Mountain Trailhead and surrounding areas had been placed under a shelter-in-place directive, which has now been rescinded. Nevertheless, residents are still advised to remain vigilant due to the ongoing fire circumstances.
Idaho Governor Brad Little denounced the assault as “a heinous direct attack on our courageous firefighters.” In a statement on X, he added, “Multiple heroic firefighters were assaulted today while responding to a fire in North Idaho. I urge all Idahoans to pray for them and their families as we await further information.”]} “`