Fact Check: Firefighters attacked while battling blaze in northern Idaho.

Fact Check: Firefighters attacked while battling blaze in northern Idaho

What We Know

On June 29, 2025, multiple reports confirmed that firefighters were attacked while responding to a wildfire on Canfield Mountain in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. According to the Kootenai County Sheriff's Office, firefighters began taking gunfire shortly after arriving at the scene, leading to the tragic deaths of at least two firefighters (NPR, Reuters). Sheriff Bob Norris stated that the incident involved "active sniper fire" and that the deceased were believed to be firefighters (Washington Post).

Idaho Governor Brad Little described the event as a "heinous direct assault on our brave firefighters," emphasizing the severity of the attack (NPR). The situation was described as dynamic, with law enforcement responding to an "active threat" in a popular recreation area (Reuters).

Analysis

The evidence overwhelmingly supports the claim that firefighters were attacked while battling a blaze in northern Idaho. The reports from multiple reputable sources, including NPR, Reuters, and the Washington Post, provide consistent details about the incident, including the timeline of events and the involvement of law enforcement. The Kootenai County Sheriff's Office confirmed the deaths and the circumstances surrounding the attack, which adds credibility to the claims made by local authorities and the governor (NPR, Reuters, Washington Post).

The sources used in this analysis are credible and well-established news organizations, which adhere to journalistic standards. The information provided is timely and corroborated by multiple eyewitness accounts and official statements, indicating a high level of reliability.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that firefighters were attacked while battling a blaze in northern Idaho is true. The incident resulted in the deaths of at least two firefighters, as confirmed by multiple reputable news sources and local authorities. The consistency of the reports and the involvement of law enforcement further validate the seriousness of the situation.