Audio from the scene in Kootenai County, Idaho, where firefighters responding to a blaze were ambushed reveals the moment a call for help was made.
On Sunday afternoon, a sniper ambush resulted in the tragic death of two firefighters and left one more injured. Authorities later found a man’s body near a firearm and subsequently lifted the previously issued shelter-in-place order.
The Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office reported that fire crews were dispatched to a fire on Canfield Mountain, located just north of Coeur d’Alene, at roughly 1:30 p.m. About 30 minutes later, gunfire was reported in the area.
In audio from the scene, a firefighter said there was an “emergency situation” and an “active shooter at a fire.”
A caller claimed that the fire “was set intentionally to draw us in.” (KHQ)
Idaho Gov. Brad Little said “multiple” firefighters were attacked in the incident.
“A multitude of brave firefighters faced an attack today while attending to a fire in North Idaho,” he shared on social media platform X. “Such an attack is a terrible and direct assault on our courageous firefighters. I urge all Idaho residents to keep them and their families in their thoughts and prayers as we await further details. Teresa and I are deeply saddened. As the situation remains active, please avoid the area to allow law enforcement and firefighters to perform their duties.”
FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino said the agency responded to the scene with technical teams and tactical support.
