The fight against a raging wildfire always holds danger. But for firefighters working on Canfield Mountain in Idaho, that danger took a horrifying turn. Instead of just battling flames, they faced a hidden enemy. An unknown sniper opened fire, killing two brave firefighters while they tried to control the blaze. Police are now in a frantic hunt for the shooter or shooters.
This shocking attack happened on Sunday afternoon. Fire crews were doing their difficult job, trying to put out the wildfire on Canfield Mountain. The mountain sits about four miles from the town of Coeur d’Alene. Suddenly, gunfire erupted. What started as a fire rescue mission became a deadly ambush. The shooting continued for hours, causing panic for everyone nearby.
The Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office reported the incident began around 1:30 PM. Firefighters were actively trying to control the spread of the wildfire. But then, they became targets. A sniper, or possibly multiple snipers, started shooting at them. Two firefighters have been confirmed dead. Officials are still working to find out if anyone else was hurt or killed in the attack.
Right now, police are still on the scene, trying to find the person or people responsible. It’s unclear if there’s just one shooter or more. Making things even tougher, some civilians are reportedly stuck on the mountain. Authorities are working to keep everyone safe while the search for the attacker continues.
Idaho Governor Brad Little spoke out about the tragedy. He posted a statement on X, calling the event “a brutal attack on brave firefighters.” Governor Little also asked everyone in Idaho to pray for the firefighters who died and their families. It was a somber request for a community reeling from such a senseless act.
The wildfire is still burning. Officials have warned people to stay away from the hiking trails on Canfield Mountain. They also told drivers to avoid roads north of Coeur d’Alene. This helps law enforcement work without hindrance as they try to catch the shooter quickly. Canfield Mountain is a beloved natural spot in Idaho. It offers many trails for hiking and biking through thick woods and brush. Many tourists visit the area, especially during the summer months.
Source: reuters