Fact Check: "Two firefighters died on arrival after sniper attack."
What We Know
On June 29, 2025, two firefighters were killed while responding to a wildfire on Canfield Mountain in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Local authorities reported that a man, armed with a rifle, initiated the fire and then ambushed the firefighters as they arrived on the scene. Kootenai County Sheriff Robert Norris described the incident as a "total ambush," stating that the firefighters "did not have a chance" (BBC News, NPR). A third firefighter was also injured during the attack and underwent surgery but was reported to be in stable condition (BBC News, NPR).
The shooter, who is believed to have acted alone, was later found deceased near a firearm on the mountain (NPR, New York Times). Sheriff Norris confirmed that the attack was intentional and that the suspect had likely started the fire as part of the ambush (NPR, AP News).
Analysis
The claim that two firefighters died as a result of a sniper attack is corroborated by multiple reliable sources. The Kootenai County Sheriff's Office, which is directly involved in the investigation, has confirmed the deaths and the circumstances surrounding them (BBC News, NPR). The description of the event as a "total ambush" by Sheriff Norris lends credibility to the assertion that the firefighters were specifically targeted while responding to an emergency.
The sources reporting on this incident include established news organizations such as the BBC, NPR, and the New York Times, which are known for their journalistic integrity and fact-checking standards. These outlets have provided consistent details regarding the timeline of events, the nature of the attack, and the aftermath, including the identification of the shooter (BBC News, NPR, New York Times).
While the investigation is ongoing and some details remain unclear, the core facts of the incident—specifically the deaths of the two firefighters due to gunfire from the ambush—are well-supported by the evidence available.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that two firefighters died on arrival after a sniper attack is true. Multiple credible sources confirm that the firefighters were ambushed while responding to a fire, resulting in their deaths. The incident has been described as intentional and targeted, further substantiating the claim.
