Firefighters responding to a brush fire near Canfield Mountain in Idaho were shot during an active shooter incident, forcing emergency crews to withdraw. Authorities are urging residents to avoid the area as the situation remains dangerous.
COEUR D’ALENE, ID (3-minute read) — A terrifying active shooter incident unfolded Sunday in Kootenai County, Idaho, where multiple firefighters were reportedly shot while responding to a brush fire near Canfield Mountain.
BREAKING: Multiple firefighters shot in apparent ambush while responding to brush fire in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, local media reports; suspect at largepic.twitter.com/Yxu4Tz3POK
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) June 29, 2025
According to Pat Riley, Chief of the Northern Lakes Fire Protection District, crews were dispatched to a growing brush fire in the area of East Nettleton Gulch Road. While working to contain the fire, they were suddenly fired upon, prompting emergency responders to pull back for their own safety.
The Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office quickly issued a warning to the public, stating: “Active shooter at Canfield Mountain. Injuries are reported, but the extent is unknown. Avoid the area.” Fire crews were forced to leave the area, leaving the fire uncontained and posing a continued threat to homes and land in the region.
BREAKING:
Developing situation in Coeur d’Alene.
It appears that several officers and firefighters have been shot in some kind of ambush.
We will post the press release when it becomes available. pic.twitter.com/06pijJH4LS
— Idaho Tribune (@IdahoTribune) June 29, 2025
While the exact number of victims remains unclear, reports suggest that several firefighters sustained gunshot wounds during the incident. As of now, no suspect has been officially identified or apprehended. Law enforcement remains on high alert, with tactical units sweeping the mountain area in search of the shooter.
Community on Edge as First Responders Attacked
What began as a routine fire emergency escalated into a dangerous and evolving public safety crisis. Firefighters and other emergency responders often risk their lives battling the elements, but targeted violence is a grim and disturbing escalation that challenges community safety and the trust placed in first responders’ ability to act without threat.
Kootenai County Deputies are urging residents to remain indoors, stay informed via emergency alerts, and avoid the area entirely. The brush fire is still burning, and efforts to contain it have been hampered by the threat of further violence.
For concealed carriers and firearm owners in the region, this event serves as a tragic reminder of the need for situational awareness and readiness. Being alert to threats and having a plan for self-defense—especially during unpredictable crises—is vital.
This is a developing story.
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