Just the other day a great tragedy was taking place Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. A sniper ambushed firefighters responding to an isolated structure fire on Canfield Mountain, resulting in the death of 2 volunteers. The attack took place around 1:30 PM on the outskirts of the city, which has a population of approximately 55,000 residents. Governor Brad Little condemned the assault, calling it a “heinous direct assault on our brave firefighters.”
Firefighters were able to extinguish a small fire that started in Canfield Mountain. This well-loved municipal oasis, known for its picturesque hiking and biking trails, presented major challenges for firefighting crews. The Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office was quick to respond to the scene of the fire, but reports of active gunfire started coming in about 30 minutes later.
Sheriff Bob Norris later corroborated, saying more than one firefighter was attacked while rushing to respond. Authorities are currently uncertain about the full extent of the casualties, with Norris stating, “We don’t know how many suspects are up there, and we don’t know how many casualties there are.” Law enforcement agencies quickly mobilized, establishing a command post at Cherry Hill dog park as they sought to manage the evolving situation.
Even as the firefighting efforts were in full swing, the fire was still burning dangerously and actively stumping responders. It’s going to keep burning, cannot commit any resources on it at this time,’ ” Norris said, describing the distractions that emergency responders had to battle while fighting the fire and dealing with the threat posed by the active shooter.
The sheriff’s office in neighboring Shoshone County said a possible active shooter was on the loose. That the killer is still on the loose. Hundreds of law enforcement and emergency personnel filled the area. That included U.S. Marshals who were instrumental on the ground, working around the clock to make sure local residents remained safe and protected.
As the investigation continues, Governor Little asked Idahoans to keep the victims and their families in their prayers. The people of Coeur d’Alene still are reeling and on high alert as police search for suspects in this senseless murder.
“This is a heinous direct assault on our brave firefighters.” – Governor Brad Little
“Dealing with an active shooter situation where the shooter is still at large.” – Sheriff’s office in neighboring Shoshone County