Two Idaho Firefighters Shot Dead While Battling Wildfire
In a shocking and tragic incident in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, two firefighters were fatally shot and a third critically wounded yesterday after a man opened fire on the first responders trying to contain a wildfire. The attack took place on Canfield Mountain, a popular hiking area just north of the city, on Sunday afternoon. It is suspected by the authorities that the shooter started the fire intentionally to ambush the firefighters, saying the gunman used a high-powered rifle to target firefighters and law enforcement over several hours.
Responders first arrived at the scene around 1:30 p.m. local time, and gunfire was reported about 30 minutes later. More than 300 officers, including FBI agents and snipers in helicopters, responded to the emergency according to reports. Using mobile phone data, law enforcement located the suspect’s body near the blaze, which had grown to cover 20 acres. It remains unclear whether the suspect took his own life or was killed by officers. Officials have not released his identity or motive but confirmed he acted alone.
The community of Coeur d’Alene, home to around 55,000 people, has been left reeling. Officials and residents alike expressed heartbreak over the loss, with Governor Brad Little calling it a “heinous direct assault” on brave firefighters. A procession honoring the fallen passed through nearby Spokane, Washington, as the injured firefighter underwent surgery and was reported stable but “fighting for his life.”
