Authorities in northern Idaho lifted a shelter-in-place order Sunday night after discovering the body of a man believed to be behind a sniper ambush that killed two firefighters and wounded another, officials said.
The Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office confirmed a tactical team found the deceased man near a firearm but did not release his identity or details about the weapon. A news conference is expected later to provide further information.
The deadly ambush occurred as firefighters were responding to a brush fire on Canfield Mountain, just north of Coeur d’Alene, around 1:30 p.m. Within 30 minutes, gunfire erupted, turning the scene chaotic.
Sheriff Bob Norris said deputies came under active sniper fire for several hours. “We’re dealing with a shooter hiding in the rugged terrain, armed with a high-powered rifle,” Norris said earlier, adding that his deputies were instructed to return fire.
First responders made frantic radio calls for assistance: “Everybody’s shot up here... send law enforcement now,” one dispatcher was heard saying.
Three victims were transported to Kootenai Health Hospital, where two were pronounced dead and one remains under treatment, hospital spokesperson Kim Anderson said. The injured firefighter’s condition has not been disclosed.
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Governor Brad Little condemned the violence, calling it a “heinous direct assault on our brave firefighters.” He urged Idahoans to keep the victims and their families in their prayers.
The sniper appeared to have exploited the mountainous, wooded terrain, which is popular for hiking and biking. Authorities ordered residents to stay away from the Canfield Mountain Trailhead and Nettleton Gulch Road area, located about 6.5 kilometers north of downtown Coeur d’Alene.
Although the lockdown was lifted following the discovery of the body, the sheriff’s office warned residents to stay alert as the wildfire continued to burn in the area.
The FBI also deployed technical teams and tactical support to assist local authorities, Deputy Director Dan Bongino confirmed.
State lawmakers expressed outrage over the attack. “We are horrified by the murder of two firefighters and shocked by this vicious assault on first responders,” Idaho House Republican leaders said in a statement, offering prayers for the victims and their families.
Local resident Bruce Deming, whose property borders the mountain trail system, described the confusion when he saw smoke but no firefighting aircraft. He later learned helicopters stayed grounded due to fears of being targeted by gunfire.
Deming guided deputies to a trail near his property leading toward the fire and sniper’s suspected location. “I just don’t want to wake up in the middle of the night wondering if someone’s prowling around my place,” he added.
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Canfield Mountain, covered in trees and heavy brush, provides direct access to national forest trails. Wildfires are a frequent concern for the region, made worse by the rugged landscape and dry summer conditions.
Source: With inputs from agency