Daijiworld Media Network - Idaho

Idaho, Jun 30: A routine wildfire response near Canfield Mountain in northern Idaho spiraled into tragedy on Sunday when two firefighters were fatally shot amid ongoing sniper fire, plunging the area into chaos and prompting a massive emergency and law enforcement response.

The Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that fire crews were responding to a blaze north of Coeur d’Alene around 1:30 p.m. local time when gunfire broke out roughly 30 minutes later. The situation rapidly escalated, forcing both firefighters and responding officers to scramble for safety as sniper fire continued from an unknown location.

Sheriff Bob Norris, speaking to the press, acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the unfolding situation. “We don’t know how many suspects are up there, and we don’t know how many casualties there are,” he said. “We are actively taking sniper fire as we speak.” He indicated that evacuations are ongoing, but several individuals may still be trapped or in danger on the mountain.

Canfield Mountain, a popular spot for hikers and bikers near the city of Coeur d’Alene, has now turned into a high-risk zone as dual threats — wildfire and gunfire — paralyze first responders’ ability to operate safely.

Idaho Governor Brad Little expressed shock and outrage, calling the attack “a heinous direct assault on our brave firefighters” in a statement posted on X. He urged residents to pray for the victims and their families, and appealed to the public to steer clear of the affected area to allow emergency services to work unimpeded.

Emergency alerts have been issued, warning people to avoid the Canfield Mountain Trailhead and the nearby Nettleton Gulch Road, approximately four miles from Coeur d’Alene’s city center. Authorities continue to search for the perpetrator or perpetrators as the situation remains volatile and unresolved.

As investigations and containment efforts continue, the community is left grappling with shock and fear — a stark reminder of how quickly a natural emergency can be overtaken by violence.