Fact Check: Active sniper fire reported as firefighters respond to blaze in Idaho
What We Know
On June 29, 2025, multiple reports confirmed that two firefighters were killed and a third was injured while responding to a wildfire in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Authorities indicated that the firefighters were ambushed by sniper fire shortly after arriving at the scene of the blaze. The Kootenai County Sheriff's Department stated that the incident involved "active sniper fire" directed at the firefighters as they attempted to combat the fire, which had been deliberately started by the gunman (Reuters, AP News, NPR).
Witnesses reported chaos as first responders called for urgent assistance, indicating that they were under fire. The sheriff confirmed that a suspect was found deceased at the scene, with a firearm located nearby, suggesting that he acted alone in this ambush attack (NBC News, USA Today).
Analysis
The claim that "active sniper fire" was reported as firefighters responded to a blaze in Idaho is substantiated by multiple credible sources. The Kootenai County Sheriff's Department, a reliable law enforcement agency, confirmed that firefighters were ambushed while attempting to extinguish a fire, and that they were met with sniper fire shortly after their arrival (AP News).
Furthermore, the incident was characterized as a "heinous direct assault" on first responders, which aligns with the description of the events provided by various news outlets (NPR). The sheriff's statements regarding the nature of the attack and the subsequent discovery of the suspect's body with a firearm lend additional credibility to the reports of sniper fire.
While the situation was chaotic, the consistent reporting across multiple reputable news organizations, including the Associated Press and Reuters, reinforces the reliability of the information. The presence of law enforcement and emergency responders at the scene further validates the claims made in these reports.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that "active sniper fire" was reported as firefighters responded to a blaze in Idaho is accurate. Multiple credible sources confirm that firefighters were indeed ambushed by sniper fire while attempting to manage a wildfire, resulting in the tragic deaths of two firefighters and injuries to a third. The coordinated accounts from law enforcement and media outlets provide a clear and consistent narrative of the events that transpired.
Sources
- Two firefighters killed in Idaho shooting, shelter in place lifted
- Idaho shooting: 2 killed, 1 wounded as gunman ambushes ...
- Idaho shooting: at least 2 dead in 'heinous direct assault'
- Man found dead with gun nearby after deadly shooting of ...
- Sniper in Idaho kills 2 firefighters, injures 3rd in ambush
