Key Point Summary – Firefighter Ambush Sniper

• A sniper lured firefighters to Canfield Mountain using a brush fire.
• The sniper killed two firefighters and injured a third.
• Police found the sniper dead near his weapon.
• Investigators believe he made the 911 call.
• Crews retreated as the fire spread rapidly.
• Federal and local agencies launched a joint response.
• Idaho’s governor condemned the attack and called for prayers.

Horror in the Hills of Idaho

A sinister plan played out on Canfield Mountain. Firefighters rushed to the scene of a reported brush fire. Instead of battling flames, they faced bullets.

At 1:21 p.m. Sunday, crews responded to a fire call near Coeur d’Alene. Suddenly, gunshots rang out. Two firefighters died on the spot. Another one suffered life-threatening injuries.

The sniper set the fire deliberately. His intent was clear — lure and kill.

Chaos Unfolds in Seconds

First responders immediately realized the danger. One firefighter screamed over the radio, “Send law enforcement now! Active shooter!”

Soon after, another shouted, “Everyone’s hit! Two chiefs are down!” He warned others, “Don’t come up here!”

Fear and confusion spread fast. Fire crews withdrew. Flames took over. Sniper bullets rained down.

Sniper Trapped Himself

Sheriff Robert Norris believes the shooter called in the fire. He laid the bait and waited. Law enforcement traced the man’s cellphone and closed in.

Deputies returned fire. A brief shootout followed. Officers later found the sniper dead, near his gun. Whether he shot himself or was taken down remains unknown.

Crews removed his body just before the flames reached it.

Tactical Response Escalates Quickly

The sheriff launched an immediate counterattack. He deployed helicopters. Each carried sharpshooters. The order: shoot to kill if given the chance.

Norris said, “I’m hoping someone has a clean shot. This person isn’t surrendering.”

The FBI, DHS, and Forest Service sent reinforcements. Washington agencies joined in. The air buzzed with helicopters. Armored vehicles rolled in.

City Stunned by Carnage

Local residents gathered in silence. Police cars and ambulances formed long lines. Some people cried. Others stood frozen.

Governor Brad Little called it a “heinous assault.” He asked Idahoans to pray. He said he and his wife felt heartbroken.

Fire Chief Pat Riley said, “We trained for this. You never want to see it happen at home.”

Scanner Audio Reveals Horror

First responders described the scene in real-time. “We need five ambulances now,” one firefighter yelled.

Another ordered his team to retreat. “Pull back a half mile. Set up a safe zone,” he told dispatch.

They couldn’t reach the victims. Bullets kept them pinned. Flames kept growing.

Community Grapples With Aftermath

Officers believe the sniper acted alone. Ballistics and weapon analysis back this theory.

However, the motive remains a mystery. Investigators expect to find more weapons. The ongoing blaze may delay that effort.

Resident Mark Lathrop worried more about fire than bullets. “It’s dry, thick brush. We haven’t had rain,” he explained.

Fire Still Burns, Fear Still Spreads

By nightfall, Canfield Mountain glowed orange. Helicopters flew overhead. Emergency teams remained on high alert.

Photos showed smoke, chaos, and trauma. The gunman’s trap caused more than destruction — it scarred a town forever.

Firefighters Now Face New Threats

Idaho’s brave firefighters answered a call. Instead, they found a killer. One that used fire to deceive.

That horror may change how fire crews respond to future calls. Now, they may approach every blaze wondering if it’s real — or bait.

Idaho’s peace shattered Sunday. Though the sniper is dead, his plan burned deep into the state’s heart.

The investigation continues. Yet one truth is clear: even heroes can become targets.