Fact Check: "Sniper ambush kills at least two firefighters in northern Idaho."
What We Know
On June 29, 2025, a tragic incident occurred in northern Idaho where at least two firefighters were killed during an ambush while responding to a vegetation fire on Canfield Mountain. According to Kootenai County Sheriff Robert Norris, the firefighters were actively taking sniper fire as they attempted to manage the blaze. The situation escalated quickly, with reports indicating that the firefighters were attacked shortly after they arrived on the scene around 1:30 PM local time (Washington Post, The Guardian). Governor Brad Little described the attack as a "heinous direct assault" on the firefighters, emphasizing the danger they faced (Washington Post).
The Kootenai County Emergency Management office issued a shelter-in-place alert for residents in the area, indicating the seriousness of the ongoing situation (Washington Post). As of the latest reports, the number of suspects involved and the total number of casualties were still unclear, but the sheriff confirmed that the gunfire was coming from at least one high-powered rifle (The Guardian).
Analysis
The reports from multiple credible sources confirm that the incident involved an ambush on firefighters, resulting in at least two fatalities. The Kootenai County Sheriff's Office has been actively communicating details about the situation, which adds to the reliability of the information. The governor's statements further corroborate the severity of the attack and the ongoing danger to first responders in the area (Washington Post, The Guardian).
While the situation is still developing, the consistent messaging from law enforcement and government officials lends credibility to the claim that a sniper ambush resulted in the deaths of firefighters. The urgency of the response, including the shelter-in-place order, indicates that the threat was immediate and serious. The lack of information about the suspects and the ongoing nature of the investigation does not detract from the confirmed facts surrounding the ambush itself.
Conclusion
Verdict: True. The claim that a sniper ambush killed at least two firefighters in northern Idaho is supported by multiple credible sources, including statements from local law enforcement and government officials. The ongoing investigation and the active shooter situation further validate the seriousness of the incident.
