Canfield Mountain, Idaho – June 30:
A tragic shooting near Canfield Mountain in northern Idaho has claimed the lives of two firefighters after a gunman opened fire while emergency crews were responding to a blaze on Sunday afternoon.
An audio recording circulating on social media reveals the terrifying moments as officers and fire commanders radioed for urgent assistance. The chilling radio traffic, reportedly sourced from Ready Breaking, captures the unfolding chaos and desperate calls for help.
“They’re shot. BC3’s down. BC1’s down. Everybody’s shot up here… Law enforcement, code three now… Do not come up here,” one voice can be heard saying in the distressing clip.
Attack Appeared to Be an Ambush
Authorities say emergency units arrived at the scene around 1:30 p.m. local time, and gunfire erupted roughly 30 minutes later. The shooting occurred near Canfield Mountain, a popular hiking area in Kootenai County.
In a press conference, Kootenai County Sheriff Robert Norris confirmed that the body of the suspected gunman was found on the mountain following a lengthy standoff. A firearm was recovered at the scene.
Based on preliminary information, we believe that was the only shooter. There is no ongoing threat to the community,” said Sheriff Norris.
He added that investigators believe the fire was deliberately set by the suspect and that the attack on first responders was planned.
Governor, Officials React to “Heinous” Attack
Idaho Governor Brad Little condemned the shooting, calling it a “heinous direct assault on our brave firefighters.”
I ask all Idahoans to pray for them and their families as we wait to learn more,” he said in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Officials from neighboring Shoshone County had earlier described the event as an active shooter situation, warning the public to stay away from the area.
Community in Mourning
The names of the fallen firefighters have not yet been released. A full investigation is now underway to determine the motive and whether additional threats remain.
This incident marks one of the most violent attacks against emergency responders in Idaho’s recent history and has prompted renewed calls for increased safety measures for crews responding to wildfires and emergencies in remote areas.
