Fact Check: "Firefighters faced sniper fire while battling a blaze in Idaho."
What We Know
On June 29, 2025, two firefighters were killed and a third was wounded in an ambush while responding to a wildfire in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. The incident occurred when a gunman, who had set the fire, opened fire on the first responders. According to reports, the gunman used a high-powered rifle and was positioned in a way that allowed him to shoot at the firefighters as they arrived on the scene. Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris confirmed that the attack was intentional and described it as a "total ambush" (AP News, NPR, CBS News).
The gunman was later found dead at the scene, and it was reported that he had fired upon the firefighters for several hours. The attack prompted a significant law enforcement response, including a tactical team and helicopters (Reuters, ABC News).
Analysis
The claim that firefighters faced sniper fire while battling a blaze in Idaho is supported by multiple credible sources. The Kootenai County Sheriff’s office provided detailed accounts of the incident, confirming that the gunman had set the fire as a trap for the firefighters. Sheriff Norris stated, "These firefighters did not have a chance," highlighting the premeditated nature of the attack (NPR, CBS News).
The incident was characterized as a "heinous direct assault" on first responders by Idaho Governor Brad Little, further emphasizing the severity of the situation (Reuters). The reports consistently describe the scenario as one in which firefighters were ambushed and subjected to sniper fire, corroborating the original claim.
The reliability of the sources is high, as they include major news outlets and official statements from law enforcement. The Associated Press, NPR, and CBS News are known for their journalistic standards and fact-checking protocols, which adds credibility to their reporting.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that firefighters faced sniper fire while battling a blaze in Idaho is accurate. Multiple credible sources confirm that the firefighters were ambushed by a gunman who had intentionally set the fire to lure them into a trap. The attack resulted in the tragic deaths of two firefighters and injuries to a third, underscoring the dangerous conditions first responders can face.
Sources
- Idaho shooting: 2 killed as gunman starts fire to ambush ...
- Two firefighters killed by gunman who started Idaho blaze
- Two firefighters killed in Idaho ambush, suspect dead, ...
- 2 firefighters killed in ambush in Idaho, shot at while ...
- Idaho, Coeur d'Alene shooting, two firefighters dead while ...
- Suspected Idaho sniper dead after killing 2 firefighters in '...
- Sniper's slaying of Idaho firefighters called 'a total ambush'
- 2 killed in Idaho after firefighters ambushed by gunfire ...
