At least two people are dead after someone shot at firefighters in an “ambush-style” attack in Kootenai County Sunday afternoon, officials said.
“Gut-wrenching news coming from Coeur d’Alene,” Rep. Mike Simpson posted on X. “As the situation develops, our thoughts and prayers are with the brave firefighters and all first responders on the scene.”
Fire crews reportedly responded to a brush fire on Canfield Mountain east of Coeur d’Alene around 1:20 p.m., and multiple firefighters were shot around 2 p.m., Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris said. Smoke from the fire could be seen from Rathdrum.
Pat Riley, Northern Lakes fire chief, said the firefighters were responding to a wildland fire that turned into an “ambush-style active shooter.”
Norris said at a news conference that it’s currently unknown how many suspects or victims there are, but he confirmed two deaths, likely those of firefighters.
“This is going to be, likely, a multi-day operation,” he said.
At the 4:30 p.m. news conference, Norris said deputies were “actively taking sniper fire as we speak” and expressed hope that the shooter or shooters would be “neutralized.”
“They are not, at this point in time, showing any evidence of wanting to surrender,” he said. “We will neutralize this threat.”
Civilians are also trapped on the mountain, Norris said.
A “heartbroken” Idaho Gov. Brad Little also posted on Facebook about the “heinous direct assault on our brave firefighters.”
“Multiple heroic firefighters were attacked today while responding to a fire in North Idaho. This is a heinous direct assault on our brave firefighters,” the statement reads. “I ask all Idahoans to pray for them and their families as we wait to learn more.”
A Life Flight Network helicopter is waiting in the area, where members of the public are gathered along 15th Street to watch.
Spokane County Sheriff John Nowels said Spokane County is sending air resources and support for the “active shooting incident.” Norris said federal law enforcement was also assisting.
The Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office has issued an alert to residents to avoid the area, which law enforcement cordoned off.
KHQ is reporting the brush fire remains an active threat, with fire crews having to pull back.
