Due to the threat, a shelter-in-place order was issued for the surrounding community and remained in effect for approximately seven hours. The shooting took place in a mountainous region popular among hikers, located about 260 miles east of Seattle. Law enforcement officials believe the gunman may have hidden weapons in various locations and moved while firing, which contributed to initial confusion over the number of assailants.
Local and national fire associations expressed grief over the loss. Edward Kelly, president of the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), confirmed the deaths and called the attack “a heinous act of violence” in a statement on X. Pat Riley, the local fire chief, told KHQ that he was “heartbroken” by the tragedy.
Residents of Coeur d’Alene, a city of roughly 56,000 near the Washington border, were shaken by the event. “This has never happened here,” said 80-year-old Linda Tiger, a longtime resident. “But it goes to show that that no-one is safe from this kind of mental sadness.”
Law enforcement officials have urged the public to avoid the area and refrain from flying drones, which could interfere with ongoing investigations and firefighting efforts. As authorities continue to probe the motive behind the attack, they remain cautious in releasing further information due to the preliminary nature of the findings.
Investigation and Community in Shock After Tragic Shooting
As Canfield Mountain continues to smolder, the small city of Coeur d’Alene is left grappling with grief and unanswered questions. With two firefighters dead and another recovering, law enforcement is piecing together a motive behind an act described as nothing short of an ambush. The case has rattled a tight-knit community unaccustomed to violence of this scale. Investigators continue to examine the scene, aware that more information and weapons may still be uncovered once the fire is contained.
