At least one sniper armed with high-powered rifle shot and killed two firefighters responding to a wildfire blaze in the Idaho Panhandle and seriously injured another, authorities said Sunday.
“We’re actively taking sniper fire as we speak. This is an active situation,” Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris said at a news conference. “We’re taking rapid fire up there.”
The attack happened at around 2 p.m. at Canfield Mountain outside the city of Coeur d’Alene in Kootenai County. Norris said multiple public safety agencies were responding to the scene in order to “neutralize this suspect.”
Norris said it was unclear exactly how many people had been hit or if there were multiple shooters. He said first responders were taking fire from modern, high-powered “sporting rifles.” The shooter or shooters were in a spot “with heavy brush and they are well prepared and blending in with their surroundings,” he said.
“If these individuals are not neutralized quickly this is going to be likely a multi-day operation,” Norris said.
Norris said people in the area should shelter in place.
Idaho Governor Brad Little confirmed the attack on Kootenai County Fire and Rescue in a statement on social media:
“Multiple heroic firefighters were attacked today while responding to a fire in North Idaho,” Little said. “This is a heinous direct assault on our brave firefighters. I ask all Idahoans to pray for them and their families as we wait to learn more.” He said he and his wife Teresa “are heartbroken.”
Firefighters had been dispatched to fight the blaze at about 1:30 p.m., the sheriff’s office said in a statement.
Officials are asking civilians to steer clear of the area as law enforcement and firefighters address the crisis.
Two firefighters killed, third injured
The International Association of Fire Fighters said in a post on X that two of its members were killed in the ambush and a third remains in surgery.
“While responding to a fire earlier today in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, IAFF members were ambushed in a heinous act of violence,” the labor union said. “Please keep them, their families, and law enforcement in your prayers.”
Kim Anderson, a spokesperson for Kootenai Health hospital system, told USA TODAY the facility received the two deceased firefighters and another person injured in the attack. She said she did not know the condition of the injured victim and deferred additional questions to local law enforcement.
FBI tactical teams responding to shooting
FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino said in a post on X that tactical teams have responded to the scene of the shooting.
“It remains an active, and very dangerous scene,” he said.
Sandra Barker, an FBI regional spokesperson, told USA TODAY in a statement that, “At this time, I can confirm the Salt Lake City Field Office, which covers Idaho, is providing assistance. I’ll refer you to the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office for any further information.”
Attorney General Pam Bondi offered prayers as federal and local authorities responded to the attack.“Thank you to our incredible @FBI agents on the ground assisting local authorities in Idaho,” she wrote on X. “We are praying for all.”
Canfield Mountain is a destination for hikers
The Canfield Mountain area where the shootings happened is a destination for hikers and mountain bikers.
Canfield Mountain Natural Area is a 24-acre park that includes trails for hiking and mountain biking, according to the city of Coeur d’Alene. Satellite photos show a mountain covered in forest.
A Forest Service fact sheet says there are over 25 miles of trails in the area.
Kootenai Sheriff Norris said at an afternoon news conference that law enforcement was still working to clear the area of civilians.
US senators for Idaho watching situation
The U.S. senators for Idaho Mike Crapo and Jim Risch said they were monitoring the situation and offered prayers to first responders and victims.
“I am monitoring the horrific reports out of Coeur d’Alene this evening. I urge local residents to follow recommendations of law enforcement,” Crapo said. “My prayers are with victims and first responders.”
Where is Coeur d’Alene?
The attack on the firefighters happened outside Coeur d’Alene, a small city in northwest Idaho.
U.S. census data estimates say it has a population of over 57,000.
It is located in Kootenai County, an area north of the Coeur d’Alene Native American Reservation. Kootenai borders Washington state and has a population of over 188,000, according to the latest census estimates.
How big is the fire?
Authorities said the blaze started out as a half-acre wildfire.
Three fire engines were dispatched to the scene at around 1:30 p.m. local time, authorities said.
Officials said the fire continued to blaze as authorities attempted to locate potential shooters.
