Fact Check: Firefighters were shot at while battling flames, prompting a massive law enforcement response.

Fact Check: "Firefighters were shot at while battling flames, prompting a massive law enforcement response."

What We Know

On June 29, 2025, a tragic incident occurred in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, where two firefighters were shot and killed while responding to a wildfire on Canfield Mountain. Local authorities reported that an armed man started the fire and then ambushed the firefighters with gunfire, resulting in the deaths of two personnel and injuries to a third firefighter (NPR, ABC News). The incident unfolded shortly after the first reports of the fire at 1:21 p.m. local time, with the firefighters coming under fire around 2 p.m. (NPR, ABC News).

Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris confirmed that the shootings were intentional, describing the event as a "total ambush" where the firefighters "did not have a chance" (NPR, ABC News). The suspected gunman was later found dead on the mountain, with a weapon located nearby, indicating he was the sole shooter involved in the incident (NPR, ABC News).

Analysis

The claim that firefighters were shot at while battling flames, prompting a massive law enforcement response, is supported by multiple credible sources. The incident involved a significant law enforcement presence, with approximately 300 officers responding to the scene (ABC News, NPR). Sheriff Norris's statements provide a clear account of the events, emphasizing the intentional nature of the attack and the ambush situation faced by the firefighters.

The sources used in this fact-check include reputable news organizations such as NPR, ABC News, and others, which are known for their journalistic integrity and fact-checking practices. These outlets have provided consistent information regarding the timeline of events and the details surrounding the ambush, which enhances the reliability of the claims made.

While some sources may have varying details regarding the timeline or specific responses from law enforcement, the core facts remain consistent across reports. The incident's severity and the tragic outcome for the firefighters have been universally acknowledged, further supporting the claim's validity.

Conclusion

Verdict: True

The claim that firefighters were shot at while battling flames, prompting a massive law enforcement response, is true. The evidence from multiple reliable sources confirms that an armed individual ambushed firefighters responding to a wildfire, resulting in two fatalities and a significant law enforcement operation to address the situation.

Fact Check: Firefighters were shot at while battling flames, prompting a massive law enforcement response.