Authorities Find Man Dead with Firearm Nearby Hours After Idaho Firefighters Killed in Ambush

Coeur d'Alene, Idaho – A horrific ambush on Sunday saw two brave firefighters killed and a third critically injured after responding to a wildfire that authorities now believe was intentionally set to lure them into a deadly trap. Hours after the initial attack, a SWAT team located a deceased man with a firearm nearby on Canfield Mountain, the site of the blaze, leading investigators to believe he was the sole shooter behind the "heinous direct assault."

The incident plunged the usually serene mountain community just north of Coeur d'Alene into chaos, prompting an urgent shelter-in-place order and a massive law enforcement response involving more than 300 officers from local, state, and federal agencies, including the FBI.

The Ambush Unfolds on Canfield Mountain

The tragic events began on Sunday afternoon when fire crews were dispatched to a brush fire on Canfield Mountain, a popular area known for its hiking and biking trails. The first call regarding the fire came in around 1:22 p.m. local time. However, within approximately 30 minutes, at around 2:00 p.m., the situation escalated dramatically when reports of gunshots began to flood emergency lines.

Kootenai County Sheriff Robert Norris quickly confirmed that first responders were "actively taking sniper fire." He described the scene as one of "sheer pandemonium" as the brush fire burned and firefighters, rushing to contain it, suddenly came under heavy, rapid gunfire. Authorities stated that the gunman used high-powered sporting rifles, and appeared to be well-prepared, blending into the thick brush and trees of the rugged terrain. Urgent calls for help were heard over radio dispatches, with one report stating, "Everybody's shot up here, send law enforcement now."

The initial hours were fraught with uncertainty and danger. Sheriff Norris, speaking during the active shooting, acknowledged the fluid situation: "We don't know who [the] suspect or suspects are, and we don't know how many suspects there may be. We still have civilians that are coming off of that mountain. We might have civilians that are stuck or in shock on that mountain, so this is a very, very fresh situation." Helicopters equipped with heat-seeking technology were deployed, though the smoke from the wildfire and the presence of civilians complicated their efforts to locate the shooter or shooters. Law enforcement exchanged gunfire with the assailant as they worked to secure the area and provide aid.

The Tragic Toll and Discovery of the Suspect

Tragically, the ambush claimed the lives of two firefighters from the Coeur d'Alene Fire Department and Kootenai County Fire and Rescue. Both were pronounced dead upon arrival at Kootenai Health in Coeur d'Alene. A third firefighter was also critically injured and transported to the hospital, undergoing surgery. Sheriff Norris later updated that the wounded firefighter was in stable condition but "fighting for his life." The identities of the fallen and injured firefighters have not yet been released, as authorities work to notify their families. The bodies of the slain firefighters were later escorted in a solemn procession of fire and law enforcement vehicles to the medical examiner's office in Spokane, Washington, a neighboring city just across the state line, where colleagues saluted their ultimate sacrifice.

As the hours passed and the standoff continued, law enforcement utilized cell phone data to "hone in" on the suspect's location. Around 3:15 p.m., they identified a consistent cell signal from an area that had not moved for some time. This critical piece of information guided a tactical response team to a specific wooded area on Canfield Mountain. It was there, hours after the initial ambush, that they made a grim discovery: a deceased man with a firearm found nearby.

Sheriff Norris later confirmed that authorities believe this individual was the sole shooter. "We do believe that the suspect started the fire, and we do believe that it was an ambush and it was intentional," Norris stated at a Sunday night news conference. "These firefighters did not have a chance." The Kootenai County Sheriff's Office also lifted the shelter-in-place order following the discovery, assuring the community that there was "no threat to the community at this time."'

Investigation Complications and Community Response

The investigation into this unprecedented act of violence is ongoing. The proximity of the suspect's body to the active wildfire presented immediate challenges for investigators, forcing authorities to "scoop the body up" before it was consumed by flames. While a firearm was found near the deceased man, officials have not yet disclosed its specific type or details regarding how the gunman died. Sheriff Norris indicated that further weapons may be discovered once the fire is fully extinguished and the scene can be thoroughly processed. The motive behind this heinous ambush remains unknown, and the identity of the deceased suspect is being withheld pending confirmation and family notification.

The attack has sent shockwaves through Idaho and the broader first responder community. Idaho Governor Brad Little condemned the incident, calling it "a heinous direct assault on our brave firefighters" and urging all Idahoans to "pray for them and their families." Edward Kelly, President of the International Association of Fire Fighters, echoed this sentiment, stating on social media that their members were "ambushed in a heinous act of violence."

The community of Coeur d'Alene, a city of approximately 55,000 residents, has rallied in support of its fire and law enforcement agencies. The incident underscores the immense dangers faced by emergency personnel, who routinely put their lives on the line to protect others. As the fire on Canfield Mountain continues to burn, albeit under control, and the investigation slowly uncovers more details, the memory of the two fallen firefighters and the bravery of all who responded will undoubtedly resonate deeply within the community and beyond. The focus now shifts to understanding why such a calculated and cruel attack occurred against those dedicated to public safety.