Tragedy Strikes Idaho as Firefighters Ambushed in Shooting
In a devastating incident that has left a community in shock, two firefighters were tragically killed and a third injured during an ambush shooting in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. The attack unfolded on Sunday afternoon when a man deliberately ignited a fire on Canfield Mountain and opened fire on first responders, described by officials as a “total ambush.”
Details of the Incident
According to law enforcement, the situation began when firefighters responded to reports of a fire at around 1:21 PM PST. Approximately 40 minutes later, they came under gunfire from a high-powered rifle wielded by the sole gunman. Sheriff Bob Norris confirmed that police and fire crews faced sniper fire throughout the conflict, which lasted for several hours.
As the fire spread to encompass 20 acres, law enforcement activated a Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team. They eventually located the gunman, who was found deceased in proximity to the shooting scene. “We believe that this was a planned attack and that the suspect was responsible for starting the fire,” Sheriff Norris stated during a late-night press briefing.
| Incident Summary | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident Type | Ambush Shooting |
| Location | Canfield Mountain, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho |
| Victims | 2 Firefighters Killed, 1 Injured |
| Fire Area | 20 acres |
| Response | Over 300 law enforcement officers |
Community Impact
The tragic loss of life has sent shockwaves through the local community of Coeur d’Alene, which has a population of around 56,000. Linda Tiger, an 80-year-old resident, expressed her disbelief, saying, “This has never happened here. It goes to show that no one is safe from this kind of mental sadness.”
The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) union confirmed the deaths of its members in a statement, denouncing the ambush as a “heinous act of violence.” Local leaders, including Fire Chief Pat Riley, have echoed sentiments of heartbreak over the attack as they mourn the loss of their colleagues.
As investigators continue to piece together the events leading up to the ambush, a shelter-in-place order was issued for local residents and subsequently lifted about seven hours later. Authorities are urging people to avoid the area as they work to recover additional weapons from the scene once the fire is fully extinguished.
The motive behind this brutal attack remains a mystery, and Sheriff Norris has stated that more information will be shared as the investigation progresses. Support for the families affected by this tragedy is expected to be a priority within the community as they rally together during this difficult time.
