Fact Check: Firefighters reported gunfire while hiding behind firefighting rig.

Fact Check: Firefighters Reported Gunfire While Hiding Behind Firefighting Rig

What We Know

On June 29, 2025, two firefighters were killed in an ambush while responding to a brush fire in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. During the incident, firefighters reported being under gunfire, and one firefighter specifically mentioned that they were hiding behind a firefighting rig for protection (source-1). The Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the gunfire was directed at emergency responders, and it was later revealed that a suspect had intentionally set the fire to lure firefighters into the area before opening fire (source-2).

As the situation unfolded, emergency radio communications captured firefighters pleading for help after two of their colleagues were shot. The sheriff noted that high-powered rifles were used during the attack, indicating the severity of the situation (source-1).

Analysis

The claim that firefighters reported gunfire while hiding behind a firefighting rig is substantiated by multiple credible sources. The New York Times reported that during the shooting, one firefighter communicated that they were taking cover behind their rig, which aligns with the accounts from emergency radio communications (source-1).

Additionally, CNN corroborated this information, stating that firefighters were indeed ambushed and that one of them reported being in a position of cover during the attack (source-2). The Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office provided further details on the nature of the attack, confirming that the gunfire was directed at firefighters responding to the blaze, which supports the context of the claim (source-2).

The reliability of these sources is high, as they include statements from law enforcement and emergency responders, which are typically subject to scrutiny and verification. The New York Times and CNN are established news organizations known for their journalistic standards, which adds credibility to their reporting.

Conclusion

The claim that firefighters reported gunfire while hiding behind a firefighting rig is True. This assertion is supported by multiple eyewitness accounts and official statements from law enforcement agencies involved in the incident. The coordinated reports from various reputable news outlets confirm the details of the ambush, including the specific mention of firefighters seeking cover during the attack.

Fact Check: Firefighters reported gunfire while hiding behind firefighting rig.