By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News
WASHINGTON D.C. (Worthy News) – Audio has been released from the scene in the Kootenai County of the U.S. state of Idaho, where firefighters responding to a blaze were killed and another wounded in a sniper ambush.
Following Sunday’s attack, authorities located the body of a deceased man with a firearm nearby and lifted “the shelter-in-place” order.
The Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office said “fire crews responded to a blaze” at “Canfield Mountain just north of Coeur d’Alene” at around 1:30 p.m. local time. Gunshots were reported about a half-hour later.
In audio from the scene, a firefighter said there was an “emergency situation” and an “active shooter at a fire.”
“We need law enforcement up here immediately,” the firefighter told a dispatcher, adding that there were “two battalion chiefs down.”
“We have another Coeur d’Alene firefighter down … we’ve got two unresponsive battalion chiefs down, multiple gunshot wounds, two Coeur d’Alene are down … I’m pinned down,” the caller continued.
The caller also said that the blaze “was set intentionally to draw us in.”
TWO KILLED
Kootenai County Sheriff Robert Norris told reporters that two firefighters were killed and another was fighting for his life, “though in stable condition,” after receiving surgery.
Authorities tracked down the body of the suspected sniper using cell phone information.
Due to the danger, fire crews had to retreat, and the brush fire continued to pose a threat.
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Deputy Director Dan Bongino said the agency responded to the scene with technical teams and tactical support.
Idaho Governor Brad Little said “multiple” firefighters were attacked in the incident.
“Multiple heroic firefighters were attacked today while responding to a fire in North Idaho,” he wrote on X. “This is 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. Teresa and I are heartbroken. As this situation is still developing, please stay clear of the area to allow law enforcement and firefighters to do their jobs.”
The tragedy highlighted growing concerns about the many weapons available for sale in the U.S.
Copyright 1999-2026 Worthy News. This article was originally published on Worthy News and was reproduced with permission.
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