A wildfire was ignited on Sunday by a man who was equipped with a rifle. After that, the man began firing at first responders in a mountain community in northern Idaho. During the onslaught of gunfire that lasted for several hours, two firemen were killed and a third was injured, according to the authorities.
After using cell phone data to “hone in” on a wooded location, a tactical reaction team discovered the body of the suspect along with a pistol nearby as flames swiftly approached, according to Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris. As a result, the order to remain in place was withdrawn on Sunday night.
The identify of the individual was not disclosed by the authorities, nor was the type of firearm that was discovered disclosed.
Norris stated during a press conference that took place on Sunday evening that “we do believe that the suspect started the fire, and we do believe that it was an ambush and that it was intentional.” “These firefighters did not have a chance,” the speaker said.
Officials from the Sheriff’s Department stated that workers responded to a fire at Canfield Mountain, which is located just north of Coeur d’Alene, at approximately 1:30 p.m., and that gunshots were reported approximately half an hour later.
It was determined by investigators that the shooter acted alone.
While Norris was speaking, he stated, “We believe that was the only shooter that was on that mountain at that time.”
According to the hospital spokesman Kim Anderson, three casualties were brought to Kootenai Health. According to Anderson, two of the victims had already passed away when they arrived, and the third was being treated for injuries. Norris stated that the injured firefighter was “fighting for his life” after undergoing surgery and that his condition was maintaining a stable state.
The brush fire was burning, and firefighters rushed to the site, only to come under heavy fire at the same time. The situation was a complete and utter chaos.
A number of first responders made urgent cries for assistance over their radios, saying things like, “Everybody’s shot up here… It was said in one dispatch that law enforcement should be sent immediately.
A “multiple” number of firefighters were attacked, according to Governor Brad Little.
“This is a heinous direct assault on our brave firefighters,” Little remarked on the incident that occurred on X. During this time of waiting for additional information, I would want to request that all Idahoans pray for them and their families.
In his statement, Norris stated that it seemed as though the sniper was concealing himself in the tough terrain while utilizing a powerful rifle. According to him, he gave the order for the deputies to shoot back.
The bodies of the deceased firemen arrived in the adjacent city of Spokane, Washington, just before the evening press conference was about to begin. They were accompanied by a chain of fire and law enforcement vehicles as they made their way to the city. At the same time that the trucks passed by, firefighters and other individuals saluted.
An notice issued by the Kootenai County Emergency Management Office requested that individuals stay away from the region surrounding Canfield Mountain Trailhead and Nettleton Gulch Road, which is located approximately 4 miles (6.5 kilometers) north of the central business district of Coeur d’Alene.
the sheriff’s office warned homeowners to be prepared because the fire was still blazing, despite the fact that the order to remain in their homes had been rescinded.
In response to the incident, the Federal Bureau of Investigation dispatched both technical teams and tactical support, as stated by Deputy Director Dan Bongino.
“We are horrified by the murder of two firefighters in Coeur d’Alene, and shocked by such a vicious attack on our first responders,” according to a statement released by the Republican Leadership of the Idaho House of Representatives. We are praying for them, as well as for those who have been hurt, their families, and their classmates.
Coeur d’Alene is a city that is located close to the border with Washington and has a population of 55,000 people. There are routes that lead into a national forest that are crisscrossed across Canfield Mountain, which is a popular spot for hiking and bicycling on the outskirts of the city. Canfield Mountain is covered with trees and heavy vegetation.
According to Bruce Deming, whose home is so close to the trail system, fire is always a major concern for the area. He was perplexed as to why there were no firefighting helicopters responding to the ridge when he saw smoke on the ridge on Sunday afternoon.
He was able to understand why he wasn’t seeing aircraft after receiving a text message from a friend informing him about the shooting. “Because they’re concerned about being shot at,” he explained.
Deputy sheriffs were setting up their posts in the area when Deming guided them in the direction of a path that begins close to his backdoor and proceeds right to the location where the fire was.
