COEUR D’ALENE, IDAHO — A coordinated ambush targeting firefighters in Coeur d’Alene escalated into an ongoing standoff Monday after a suspect armed with high-powered rifles opened fire on first responders, injuring one firefighter and triggering a massive law enforcement response.
The violence began when authorities received reports of a deliberately set fire on Canfield Mountain. As crews arrived to extinguish the blaze, a suspect unleashed gunfire from a concealed position, a tactic described by Idaho Governor Brad Little as a “heinous, direct assault on those who protect our communities.” One firefighter sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was hospitalized.
Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the armed suspect remains barricaded in a nearby property, refusing to surrender. “We are facing an individual equipped with significant firepower, prepared to use it against responders,” Sheriff Robert Norris stated. SWAT teams and negotiators have cordoned off the area, urging residents to avoid the vicinity.
Governor Little pledged state resources to apprehend the suspect, emphasizing, “This cowardly attack on Idaho’s heroes will be met with full force.” The motive remains under investigation, though officials confirmed the fire was set as a trap to lure emergency personnel.
Multiple heroic firefighters were attacked today while responding to a fire in North Idaho. This is a heinous direct assault on our brave firefighters. I ask all Idahoans to pray for them and their families as we wait to learn more. Teresa and I are heartbroken.
As this…
— Brad Little (@GovernorLittle) June 29, 2025
Coeur d’Alene, a lakeside city typically associated with outdoor recreation, now grapples with shock as the standoff stretches into its second day. Authorities advise avoiding the Canfield Mountain area until further notice.
“If you are in the are of Canfield Mountain Trailhead / Nettleton Gulch Rd. area in CDA, SHELTER IN PLACE. If you are not, AVOID THE AREA due to Law Enforcement activity. Continue to monitor reliable sources for information, we will update with more information as soon as we receive it,” Kootenai County Emergency Management said in a social media post.
Key Details:
- Trap Fire: Blaze intentionally set on Canfield Mountain to ambush responders.
- Injured: One firefighter shot; expected to recover.
- Weapons: Suspect armed with high-powered rifles, per the sheriff.
- Status: Active standoff, suspect barricaded and uncooperative.
- Official Response: Governor Little condemns attack as “domestic terrorism.”
