A devastating and surprising ambush on Sunday afternoon killed two firefighters and critically injured one other near Canfield Mountain, north of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. A full-scale manhunt has been initiated by the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI since the suspect or suspects are still on the loose.
The attack took place while firefighters from the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) were trying to respond to a wildfire at around 1:30 p.m. At around 2 p.m., there were reports of sniper fire, which hit the emergency crew. The IAFF says that two firefighters were killed and another is in emergency surgery.
We have no idea how many suspects are out there and how many there are in casualties,” said Sheriff Robert Norris, according to AP.
Idaho Shooting: Social Media Claims Suspect Vehicle Located
Within hours of the ambush, several social media reports began to surface based on police scanner recordings. These reports indicated that officers might have located a car potentially linked to the suspect. While these rumors are unsubstantiated, an X (formerly Twitter) posting stated,
“2 Spokane County Sheriff Helicopters helping – Searching for a Suspect – maybe the suspect vehicle had been found.”
FlightRadar evidence validated at least two helicopters over the mountainous area, as would be expected with an airborne manhunt underway.
No arrests have been confirmed by authorities, and the suspect is still on the loose. A press conference is forthcoming from the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office at 9:30 p.m. PT / 12:30 a.m. ET.
Shelter-in-Place Issued, Governor Reacts
The Kootenai County Emergency Management Office issued a shelter-in-place warning. Residents were asked to avoid the Canfield Mountain Trailhead and Nettleton Gulch Road, located about 4 miles north of downtown Coeur d’Alene.
In a passionate statement, Idaho Governor Brad Little denounced the attack and urged unity, “Several heroic firefighters were ambushed today while responding to a North Idaho fire. It’s an outrageous direct attack on our valorous firefighters. Teresa and I are devastated.”
A medical helicopter also reacted to the emergency, which airlifted the wounded firefighter to a local hospital. Law enforcement agencies, including the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office, are still assisting with the ongoing search. Meanwhile, local communities remain on high alert.
As the investigation continues, officials are calling on the public to avoid the area and report anything strange. Further details will be given in the next press conference.