This is a current, ongoing story. As of posting, the shooter(s) have not been caught or otherwise neutralized.
COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho — A chaotic and dangerous situation is unfolding on Canfield Mountain as authorities respond to both a wildfire and an active shooter incident. At approximately 1:30 p.m., Kootenai County Fire responded to a wildfire burning in the area. Shortly after, at around 2:00 p.m., shots were fired, prompting a swift response from the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office and other law enforcement agencies.
The Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office issued an alert stating, “Active shooter at Canfield Mountain. Injuries are reported, but the extent is unknown. Avoid the area.” Fire crews have been forced to pull back, leaving the brush fire as an ongoing threat. Residents in the Canfield Mountain Trailhead and Nettleton Gulch Road area have been advised to shelter in place.
Northern Lakes Fire Protection Chief Pat Riley expressed his dismay, saying, “My immediate reaction was completely heartbroken. We trained for this. You never want to see it in your own community.” Despite the circumstances, Chief Riley emphasized that firefighters remain focused on their duties, although fire suppression efforts have been halted, according toKHQ News.
Governor Brad Little addressed the situation on social media, stating, “Multiple heroic firefighters were attacked today while responding to a fire in North Idaho. 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.”
Law enforcement from multiple jurisdictions is assisting with the situation, and while evacuations are not currently anticipated, residents are advised to stay alert and await further information. The Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office has urged people to avoid Coeur d’Alene, stating, “If you can, please avoid Coeur D’Alene at the moment as we are dealing with an active shooter situation where the shooter is still at large.”
Sheriff Bob Norris is scheduled to hold a press briefing at 4:30 p.m. at Coeur d’Alene Fire Station #3. More information will be shared as it becomes available. Authorities continue to urge the public to avoid the area and follow all shelter-in-place notifications.
