Fact Check: "Two firefighters shot dead while responding to a brush fire in Idaho."
What We Know
On June 29, 2025, two firefighters were shot and killed while responding to a brush fire in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Local authorities reported that a man armed with a rifle started the fire and then ambushed the firefighters as they arrived on the scene. The incident resulted in the deaths of two firefighters and injuries to a third. The shooter, who was found dead at the scene, is believed to have acted intentionally, with Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris stating, "We do believe the suspect started the fire, it was an ambush and it was totally intentional" (NPR, Reuters).
The timeline of events indicates that the first reports of the wildfire came in at 1:21 PM, and firefighters began reporting gunfire at approximately 2 PM. The suspect's body was discovered later in the afternoon, along with a weapon (NPR, CNN).
Analysis
The claim that two firefighters were shot dead in Idaho while responding to a brush fire is supported by multiple reliable news sources, including NPR, Reuters, and CNN. Each of these outlets reported similar details about the incident, confirming that the firefighters were ambushed and that the shooter was found dead at the scene (NPR, Reuters, CNN).
The credibility of these sources is high, as they are established news organizations with a track record of accurate reporting. The statements from local authorities, including Sheriff Bob Norris, provide further verification of the events, as they are directly involved in the investigation and response to the incident. The sheriff's comments about the intentional nature of the attack and the timeline of events lend additional weight to the claim (NPR, Reuters).
Conclusion
The claim that two firefighters were shot dead while responding to a brush fire in Idaho is True. The evidence from multiple reputable sources confirms the occurrence of this tragic event, detailing the circumstances surrounding the ambush and the subsequent investigation.
