Two firefighters were fatally shot while responding to a fire on Canfield Mountain in northern Idaho, authorities confirmed on Sunday. A manhunt is underway as law enforcement continues to face sniper fire.
The Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office said fire crews responded to a blaze near Canfield Mountain — just north of Coeur d’Alene — around 1:30 p.m. Gunfire was reported approximately 30 minutes later.
“We don’t know how many suspects are up there, and we don’t know how many casualties there are,” Sheriff Norris said. “We are actively taking sniper fire as we speak.”
Norris added that people are still evacuating the mountain, and it “would be safe to assume” more individuals remain on the mountain.
Canfield Mountain, on the outskirts of Coeur d’Alene — a city of 55,000 near the Washington border — is a popular hiking and biking area.
Idaho Governor Brad Little condemned the incident, stating on X: “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.”
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
The Kootenai County Emergency Management Office issued an alert asking the public to avoid the area surrounding Canfield Mountain Trailhead and Nettleton Gulch Road, about four miles (6.5 km) north of downtown Coeur d’Alene.
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With inputs from Associated Press