Kootenai County, Idaho (Naija Blog) – June 30, 2025 — At least two firefighters have been confirmed dead and another critically injured after gunmen ambushed a team battling a wildfire on a mountainside in Kootenai County, Idaho, on Sunday, June 29.
Kootenai County Sheriff Robert Norris confirmed the fatalities during a tense press briefing while the blaze still raged. Law enforcement officials reportedly exchanged gunfire with the suspect or suspects, who opened fire on emergency responders in what authorities described as a “total ambush.”
“We now have two deaths. We have an unknown amount of casualties. We still have civilians that are coming off of that mountain,” Sheriff Norris stated. “We are actively taking sniper fire as we speak.”
The sheriff, visibly shaken, indicated that the suspect showed no signs of surrendering. “As soon as somebody has a clear shot, I encourage them to take that shot to neutralize the threat,” he told reporters. Authorities believe the fire was intentionally set to lure in emergency responders.
The third firefighter, who sustained life-threatening injuries, underwent emergency surgery and was reported to be in stable condition late Sunday.
Local Fire Chief Pat Riley called the incident “heartbreaking,” expressing sorrow over the loss of colleagues. “This was a senseless act of violence,” he told KHQ news.
Residents in the area were urged to shelter in place as the standoff unfolded. No evacuations were ordered despite the ongoing blaze.
Later in the evening, officials confirmed that the suspect was dead. However, it remained unclear whether he was killed in a shootout with officers or took his own life. Authorities have not released the suspect's identity and say investigations are ongoing.
The motive behind the deadly ambush remains unknown.
