Sniper kills 2 firefighters battling Idaho wildfire; FBI joins investigation
Jun 29, 2025, 4:02 PM | Updated: 8:49 pm

The Kootenai County Sheriff's Office and other neighboring law enforcement agencies gather near the crime scene in Coeur d鈥橝lene, Idaho. (Photo courtesy of 成人X站 7)
(Photo courtesy of 成人X站 7)
Two firefighters were shot and killed by a sniper while battling a wildfire in northern Idaho, authorities confirmed Sunday evening.
One additional firefighter was injured in the shooting.
A man was found dead hours later, with a firearm nearby. A shelter-in-place was active in the hours between the shooting at Coeur d’Alene and the discovery of the dead male on Canfield Mountain.
“While responding to a fire earlier today in Coeur d鈥橝lene, Idaho, IAFF [International Association of Fire Fighters] members were ambushed in a heinous act of violence,” IAFF stated, according to CBS News. “Two of our brothers were killed by a sniper, and a third brother remains in surgery. Please keep them, their families, and law enforcement in your prayers.”
The FBI has been called in to assist with local law enforcement. According to FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino, the scene remains “active” and “very dangerous.”
Firefighters were initially called to respond to a brush fire near East Nettleton Gulch Road when the shooting started. That fire remains active as fire crews were forced to retreat.
鈥淢y immediate reaction was completely heartbroken,鈥 Northern Lakes Fire Protection District Chief Pat Riley said. 鈥淲e trained for this. You never want to see it in your own community.鈥
Despite the active threat, Riley said firefighters are remaining focused.
He also noted that, at this time, evacuations are not expected. However, residents in the area are advised to remain vigilant and to follow any instructions from law enforcement as the situation continues to develop.
Deputies have asked the public to avoid East Nettleton Gulch Road and the surrounding area near Canfield Mountain.
Authorities on the case will provide the public with more information at a 9:30 p.m. press conference.
This is a developing story, check back for updates
Contributing: Frank Sumrall, MyNorthwest;